Formulations for the delivery of active ingredients

ABSTRACT

This invention relates generally to in vivo delivery of active ingredient formulations. More particularly, this invention relates to formulations of active ingredients that further comprise an agent, methods of making such formulations, and methods of using the same.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/645,475, filed on May 10, 2012, the content of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to in vivo delivery of active ingredient formulations. More particularly, this invention relates to formulations of active ingredients that further comprise an in vivo stabilizing amount of an agent, methods of making such formulations, and methods of using the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Active ingredients, such as drugs that contain peptides, proteins, nucleic acids, or small organic molecules, may cause unwanted effects upon in vivo administration, such as to a mammal (e.g., a human). Such effects can detract significantly from the therapeutic benefit offered by the active ingredient itself. Accordingly, a need exists for formulations of active ingredients that minimize unwanted effects of in vivo administration.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is based, in part, on the discovery that homeostatic levels of certain agents are important with respect to adverse effect(s) of a therapeutic entity, e.g., an active ingredient of a therapeutic entity. Accordingly the present invention provides compositions or formulations capable of inhibiting or reducing adverse effect(s) of a therapeutic entity. In addition, the present invention also provides methods of using the composition or formulations for therapeutic treatments.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a composition, such as a pharmaceutical composition, comprising an active ingredient and an in vivo stabilizing amount of an agent, wherein the agent is associated with an adverse effect in vivo caused by the administration of the active ingredient without the agent, and wherein the in vivo stabilizing amount is the amount that substantially saturates the binding sites of the active ingredient to the agent.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of reducing an adverse effect of an active ingredient comprising administering the active ingredient with an in vivo stabilizing amount of an agent, wherein the agent is associated with the adverse effect of the active ingredient caused by the administration of the active ingredient without the agent, and wherein the in vivo stabilizing amount is the amount that substantially saturates the binding sites of the active ingredient to the agent.

Further provided is a method for treating or managing pain in a subject comprising administering to the subject the pharmaceutical composition as described herein, wherein the active ingredient is an oligonucleotide decoy comprising one or more binding sites for EGR1 and wherein the agent is a calcium ion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1: clinical response scores of oligonucleotide formulations. FIG. 1A: the clinical response score of each tested formulation was calculated as the total sum of clinical signs and displayed in a graph bar (maximum potential score=13, minimum potential score=0). FIGS. 1B and 1C present visual plots of the performance of the “saline+oligonucleotide” and the “1:0.0146 oligonucleotide:calcium” formulations, respectively. Each brown bar or surface on the plot marks the % of occurrence of a given clinical sign. Oligonucleotide molecular weight=14092.92 g/mol, CaCl₂ molecular weight=147.02 g/mol, single-strand=antisense strand of the double stranded oligonucleotide, oligonucleotides were injected at 100 mg/mL, N=2-6 rats per formulation, T-test, different from saline injection: p<0.05.

FIG. 2: analysis of an oligonucleotide-calcium binding relationship. Oligonucleotide (0.05 mM to 3 mM) was incubated in presence of various concentrations of CaCl₂ (0.14 to 25 mM). Following incubation of CaCl₂ and oligonucleotide, the amount of free calcium remaining in the solution was measured using o-cresolphthalein, a dye binding to free calcium (Calcium Colorimetric Assay Kit, BioVision). The quantity of calcium bound to the oligonucleotide was calculated as the difference between the calcium initially introduced in the solution minus the free calcium remaining after incubation (30-60 min). The ratio of concentrations of calcium added in the solution divided by the oligonucleotide concentration was plotted against the concentration of calcium bound to the oligonucleotide divided by the oligonucleotide concentration (circles). The relationship was linear: R²=0.89, slope=0.61, showing that the majority of the calcium was bound to the oligonucleotide. The same experiments were performed in presence of a higher ionic strength by adding NaCl in 2 (triangles) or 12 (squares) fold excess of the calcium concentration. N=1-4 per condition, mean data are presented, oligonucleotide molecular weight=14092.92 g/mol, CaCl₂ molecular weight=147.02 g/mol.

FIG. 3: bar graphs representing free calcium in oligonucleotide formulations. The oligonucleotide was incubated with CaCl₂ at a molar ratio of 1.8±0.3 up to the solubility limit of the oligonucleotide (13.5 mM). Three formulations were tested with the following oligonucleotide:CaCl₂ concentrations (mM): 0.6:1.08, 7.8:14.04 and 13.5:24.3. After an incubation period of 30 min, free calcium was isolated using ultrafiltration centrifugal membranes (AMICON ULTRA 0.5 ML 3 KDA, Millipore) and its concentration measured using a calcium ion electrode (black bar). A similar experiment was conducted in conditions with ionic strength comparable to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (138 mM NaCl, white bar). The dashed bars represent the range of the endogenous level of calcium concentration in the CSF (1-1.4 mM). N=2 per condition, oligonucleotide molecular weight=14092.92 g/mol, CaCl₂ molecular weight=147.02 g/mol.

FIGS. 4A and 4B: oligonucleotide affinity and stability studies in the presence of calcium. FIG. 4A is a bar graph illustrating oligonucleotide binding affinity for its target, the transcription factor EGR1, as measured using a competition ELISA assay. A biotinylated EGR1 consensus tandem oligonucleotide (12 pmoles) was bound to the ELISA plate and incubated with nuclear protein extracts containing EGR1 in absence (white bar) or presence (black bars) of 100 pmoles of free competitor oligonucleotide including various excess molar ratios of CaCl₂ (X=CaCl₂ concentration/oligonucleotide concentration); FIG. 4B: oligonucleotide (4 μM) in the absence or presence of increasing excess molar ratios of CaCl₂ (X=CaCl₂ concentration/oligonucleotide concentration) was incubated in inactivated serum (Horse Serum, Heat Inactivated, Invitrogen) at 37° C. for 10 or 60 minutes. The quantity of intact oligonucleotide remaining following the incubation in the serum, which contains nucleases that degrade oligonucleotides, was measured using a gel electrophoresis and UV detection method. Data were normalized against the initial amount of oligonucleotide initially introduced in the solution.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show the efficacy of a oligonucleotide for preventing pain in the spared nerve injury model of pain (Decosterd and Woolf, Pain 87:149-158 (2000)). Vehicle (triangle) or oligonucleotide (circle) were injected intrathecally (percutaneous, L5/6, 0.02 mL) once at the time of surgery. Pain was measured as mechanical hypersensitivity using Von Frey filaments (VF). Five repetitive applications for each of the following VF hair were performed on the paw ipsilateral to injury: 1-4-6-8-10 (twice)-26 gram. FIG. 5A: 1.4 mg of oligonucleotide without calcium vs. vehicle; FIG. 5B: 1.4 mg of oligonucleotide with CaCl₂ at the 1:0.0198 weight ratio vs. vehicle and buffered at pH 7.5 with Tris 10 mM. Median±40% and 60% percentiles values of total responses to repetitive VF stimulations are shown; N≧4 per group, T-test followed by a T-Welsh analysis, data distribution over the testing period, different from vehicle; p<0.01 in both studies.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is based, in part, on the discovery that homeostatic levels of certain agents are important with respect to adverse effect(s) of a therapeutic entity, e.g., an active ingredient of a therapeutic entity. Accordingly the present invention provides compositions or formulations capable of inhibiting or reducing adverse effect(s) of a therapeutic entity. In addition, the present invention also provides methods of using the compositions or formulations for therapeutic treatments.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a composition, such as a pharmaceutical composition, comprising an active ingredient and an agent associated, directly or indirectly, with one or more adverse effect(s) of the active ingredient. In one embodiment, the agent is any entity, of which the homeostatic levels are directly or indirectly related to one or more adverse effect(s) of the active ingredient. In another embodiment, the agent is any entity, of which the homeostatic levels are changed, e.g., substantially upon administration of the active ingredient in vivo. In yet another embodiment, the agent is any entity, of which the homeostatic levels are sensitive to the administration of the active ingredient in vivo. In still another embodiment, the agent is any entity which is capable of interacting or interacts, directly or indirectly, with the active ingredient. In still yet another embodiment, the agent is any entity which is capable of binding or binds, directly or indirectly, with the active ingredient.

According to the present invention, the agent can be different, e.g., even with respect to the same active ingredient, depending on the tissue or cell type the active ingredient is administered into. In some embodiments, the agent is an ion. An ion can be an organic acid, such as malic, ascorbic, tartaric, lactic, acetic, formic, oxalic, or citric acid. In some embodiments, the agent is a metal ion, e.g., iron, zinc, copper, lead and nickel, etc. In some embodiments, the agent has a charge that is opposite of the net charge of the active ingredient. In some embodiments, the agent is a cation or anion. In some other embodiments, the agent is a calcium ion, a magnesium ion, or a potassium ion. In some other embodiments, the agent is an ion, carbohydrate (e.g., sugars, starches, etc.), lipid (e.g., saturated fatty acids, unsaturated fatty acids, triacylglycerols, glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, and cholesterol, etc.), vitamin (e.g., selenium, zinc, vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxin, niacin, pantothenic acid, cyanocobalamin, L-ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol, etc.), or alcohol (e.g., polyols such as glucose and mannitol, as well as, e.g., ethanol, etc.) or a combination thereof.

In yet further embodiments, the agent with respect to cerebrospinal fluid is an ion, e.g., calcium ions, magnesium ions or potassium ions. In still some other embodiments, the agent with respect to blood is one or more blood electrolytes and/or major constituents of extracellular, cellular and interstitial fluids. In some exemplary embodiments, the agent with respect to blood is Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Cl⁻, bicarbonates (e.g., HCO₃ ⁻), phosphorus (e.g., HPO₄ ²⁻), sulfates (e.g., SO₄ ²⁻), organic acid, proteins, metal ions (iron, zinc, copper, lead and nickel, etc.), carbohydrates or alcohols (e.g., glucose, mannitol, ethanol), lipids, vitamins (e.g., selenium, zinc) or any combination thereof.

According to the present invention, the agent used in the composition of the active ingredient can be any amount suitable for the administration of the active ingredient in vivo, e.g., any amount that either inhibits or decreases one or more adverse effect(s) of the active ingredient without the agent. According to the present invention, one or more adverse effect(s) of the active ingredient includes any unwanted or undesirable effect produced as a result of in vivo administration of the active ingredient. An adverse effect can be any long term or short effect, local or systematic effect, or any effect associated with the toxicity of the active ingredient. Exemplary adverse effects include pain, headache, vomiting, arrhythmia, shivering, respiratory depression, dizziness, loss of motor control, lack of coordination, fatigue, memory impairment, rash, or numbness. In one embodiment, the adverse effect in the context of pain treatment with an oligonucleotide decoy can be relatively minor (e.g., light tail movement in a rodent or dog animal model) or more severe (e.g., a seizure), or may include muscle trembling, increased muscle tone in a limb, whole body rigidity, pain, or spontaneous vocalization.

In one embodiment, the agent used in the composition of the active ingredient is an in vivo stabilizing amount. As used herein, an “in vivo stabilizing amount” is an amount of the agent that upon administration along with the active ingredient does not cause any material or detectable change of the endogenous level, e.g., homeostatic level of the agent in vivo. Alternatively an “in vivo stabilizing amount” is an amount of the agent that upon administration along with the active ingredient inhibits or decreases one or more adverse effect(s) of the active ingredient without the agent. In some embodiments, the in vivo stabilizing amount of the agent is an amount that sufficiently saturates binding sites, e.g., available binding sites of the active ingredient to the agent. For example, the in vivo stabilizing amount of the agent can be an amount that capable of binding or binds to at least 0.001%, 0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, or 50% of binding sites, e.g., available binding sites of the active ingredient to the agent. In some other embodiments, the in vivo stabilizing amount of the agent is an amount that upon administration along with the active ingredient does not materially affect or cause detectable change of the pH (e.g., induces a change less than about 0.5 pH units, 0.2 pH units, 0.1 pH units, etc.) of the local site, tissue, or cell environment, etc.

In yet some other embodiments, the in vivo stabilizing amount of the agent is the amount that upon mixing with the active ingredient produces less than a predetermined level of free agent in the composition, e.g., minimum or undetectable level of free agent in the composition. For example, the predetermined level of free agent in the composition can be at least less than 0.1 mM, 0.5 mM, 1 mM, 1.5 mM, or 2 mM in a composition when the active ingredient is an oligonucleotide decoy and the agent is an ion, e.g., calcium. In another example, the predetermined level of the free agent in the composition is less than about 1%, 2%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 100% of the endogenous level, e.g., local concentration of the agent. In yet another example, the predetermined level of free agent in the composition is determined based on the saturation level of the binding sites in the active ingredient to the agent.

According to the present invention, the free agent is the agent that is not bound to the active ingredient, e.g., by electrostatic, covalent, or hydrophobic interactions, or any other mode of interaction. Alternatively the free agent is the agent that is capable of interfering or interferes with the endogenous level of the agent, e.g., systematically or at the local site of administration.

In still some other embodiments, the in vivo stabilizing amount of the agent is the amount that provide suitable ratio between the active ingredient and the agent so that when they are administered in vivo, it inhibits or decreases one or more adverse effect(s) of the active ingredient without the agent or alternatively it does not cause substantial or detectable change of endogenous level, e.g., homeostatic level of the agent. In some embodiments, the molar ratio or the weight ratio of the active ingredient to the agent ranges from about 1:1000 to about 1000:1. Non-limiting examples of ratios include 1:1, 1:5, 1:10, 1:50, 1:100, 1:250, 1:500, 1:1000, 1000:1, 500:1, 250:1, 100:1, 50:1, 10:1, 5:1, and any range derivable therein inclusive of fractions of integers (e.g., 100.5, 100.05, etc.). Further non-limiting examples of ratios include 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, 1:6, 1:7, 1:8, 1:9, 1:10, 10:1, 9:1, 8:1, 7:1, 6:1, 5:1, 4:1, 3:1, and 2:1, and any range derivable therein, inclusive of fractions of integers (e.g., 1.5, 1.05, etc.). In some embodiments, the active ingredient is a nucleic acid, such as an oligonucleotide (e.g., an oligonucleotide decoy), and the agent is a calcium ion, and wherein the weight ratio or the molar ratio of the active ingredient and the agent is from about 0.005 to 5, 0.05 to 5, 0.1 to 3, 0.2 to 2.8, 0.5 to 2, or 1 to 2. In some embodiments, the active ingredient is a nucleic acid, such as an oligonucleotide (e.g., an oligonucleotide decoy), and the agent is a calcium ion, and wherein the weight ratio or the molar ratio of the active ingredient and the agent is from about 1 to 0.001, 1 to 0.005, 1 to 0.01, 1 to 0.015, 1 to 0.018, 1 to 0.019, 1 to 0.02, 1 to 0.025, 1 to 0.03, 1 to 0.035, 1 to 0.4, or 1 to 0.5. For example, the weight ratio may be 1:1, 2:1, 4:1, 5:1, 15:1, 30:1, 50:1, 100:1, 200:1, 250:1, 300:1, 400:1, 500:1, or 1000:1. An agent, such as an ion (e.g., a calcium ion), can be comprised in a composition such as a salt (e.g., CaCl₂), and the molar amount or weight amount of that composition can be referenced in a ratio. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the agent is a calcium ion comprised in a composition such as CaCl₂, wherein the weight ratio of an active ingredient, such as a nucleic acid (e.g., an oligonucleotide, an oligonucleotide decoy) to the composition, e.g., CaCl₂, is about 1:1, 2:1, 4:1, 5:1, 15:1, 30:1, 50:1, 100:1, 200:1, 250:1, 300:1, 400:1, or 500:1, or any range derivable therein.

It is understood that the exact ratio of active ingredient to agent in a composition may vary, such as based on the chemical nature of the active ingredient (e.g., in the context of a nucleic acid, whether the nucleic acid is RNA, DNA, single stranded or double stranded, the percent GC content, or molecular weight), the agent and its local concentration (e.g., endogenous level) in the targeted in vivo site, and its intended delivery route. For example, in a environment with a higher endogenous calcium concentration, it is anticipated that the ratio of active ingredient (e.g., oligonucleotide decoy):calcium should be increased in a composition comprising such components.

In still yet some other embodiments, the in vivo stabilizing amount of the agent is the amount that when administered along with the active ingredient causes minimum, insubstantial, or undetectable amount of interaction, e.g., binding between the endogenous agent and the active ingredient.

According to the present invention, the active ingredient is any entity within a composition that provides intended activity of the composition. In some embodiments, the active ingredient is any therapeutically, prophylactically, or pharmacologically or physiologically active substance, or a mixture thereof. In general, an active ingredient is typically used in an amount sufficient to prevent, cure, diagnose or treat a disease or other condition, as the case may be. Non-limiting examples of active ingredients include nucleic acids, peptides, and small organic molecules. As used herein, a “small organic molecule” refers to a carbon-containing agent having a molecular weight of less than or equal to 1500 g/mol, such less than 1400, less than 1300, less than 1200, less than 1100, less than 1000, less than 900, less than 800, less than 700, less than 600, less than 500, less than 400, less than 300, less than 200, or less than 100 g/mol. In some embodiments, a small organic molecule excludes a polymer, such as a nucleic acid polymer (e.g., an oligonucleotide, polynucleotide, vector, etc.), a peptide, or a protein. In some embodiments, an active ingredient is a polymer, such as a nucleic acid polymer or a protein.

In some other embodiments, an active ingredient is an oligonucleotide. For example, an oligonucleotide can be an oligonucleotide decoy, such as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,943,591 and 8,093,225. An “oligonucleotide decoy” refers to any double-stranded, nucleic acid-containing polymer generally less than approximately 200 nucleotides (or 100 base pairs) and including, but not limited to, DNA, RNA and RNA-DNA hybrids. The term encompasses sequences that include any of the known base analogs of DNA and RNA including, but not limited to, 2,6-diaminopurine, 5-carboxymethylaminomethyl-2-thiouracil, 5-carboxymethylaminomethyluracil, dihydrouracil, inosine, uracil-5-oxyacetic acid, N6-isopentenyladenine, 1-methyladenine, N-uracil-5-oxyacetic acid methylester, queosine, 2-thiocytosine, 5-bromouracil, methylphosphonate, phosphorodithioate, ormacetal, 3′-thioformacetal, nitroxide backbone, sulfone, sulfamate, morpholino derivatives, locked nucleic acid (LNA) derivatives, or peptide nucleic acid (PNA) derivatives. In some embodiments, the oligonucleotide decoy is composed of two complementary single-stranded oligonucleotides that are annealed together. In other embodiments, the oligonucleotide decoy is composed of one single-stranded oligonucleotide that forms intramolecular base pairs to create a substantially double-stranded structure.

In certain embodiments, the oligonucleotide decoys comprise one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc.) transcription factor binding sites. In related embodiments, each transcription factor binding site binds to a transcription factor selected from the group consisting of POU1F1, POU2F, POU3F, POU4F1, POU5F1, USF, EGR1, CREB/ATF, AP1, CEBP, SRF, ETS1, MEF2, SP1, RUNX, NFAT, ELK1, ternary complex factors, STAT, GATA1, ELF1, nuclear factor—granulocyte/macrophage a, HNF1, ZFHX3, IRF, TEAD1, TBP, NFY, caccc-box binding factors, KLF4, KLF7, IKZF, MAF, REST, HSF, KCNIP3 and PPAR transcription factors. In certain embodiments, transcription factor binding sites bind to two or more members of a family of closely-related transcription factors. Representative members of such transcription factor families can be selected from the group consisting of POU1F1, POU2F, POU3F, POU4F1, POU5F1, USF, EGR1, CREB/ATF, AP1, CEBP, SRF, ETS1, MEF2, SP1, RUNX, NFAT, ELK1, ternary complex factors, STAT, GATA1, ELF1, nuclear factor—granulocyte/macrophage a, HNF1, ZFHX3, IRF, TEAD1, TBP, NFY, caccc-box binding factors, KLF4, KLF7, IKZF, MAF, REST, HSF, KCNIP3 and PPAR transcription factors. Thus, in certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy that binds to, e.g., EGR1, can also bind to one or more additional family members, e.g., EGR2, EGR3, EGR4.

In certain embodiments, the oligonucleotide decoys comprise two or more (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, etc.) transcription factor binding sites. In related embodiments, each transcription factor binding site binds to a transcription factor selected from the group consisting of POU1F1, POU2F, POU3F, POU4F1, POU5F1, USF, EGR1, CREB/ATF, AP1, CEBP, SRF, ETS1, MEF2, SP1, RUNX, NFAT, ELK1, ternary complex factors, STAT, GATA1, ELF1, nuclear factor—granulocyte/macrophage a, HNF1, ZFHX3, IRF, TEAD1, TBP, NFY, caccc-box binding factors, KLF4, KLF7, IKZF, MAF, REST, HSF, KCNIP3 and PPAR transcription factors. In certain embodiments, the relative position of the two or more transcription factor binding sites within the decoy modulates (e.g., increases or decreases) the binding affinity between a target transcription factor (i.e., the transcription factor that a particular binding site is designed to bind to) and its transcription factor binding site, e.g., as compared to the binding affinity between the transcription factor and a decoy having a single transcription factor binding site (e.g., a consensus binding site) specific to the transcription factor. Thus, the relative position of the two transcription factor binding sites within an oligonucleotide decoy of the invention can increase the affinity of the oligonucleotide decoy for a target transcription factor (e.g., for one or more of the transcription factors targeted by the decoy). In certain embodiments, the increase in affinity of the oligonucleotide decoy for a target transcription factor is 1.2 fold or greater (e.g., about 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0 fold, or more). In certain embodiments, the relative position of the two transcription factor binding sites within an oligonucleotide decoy promotes protein-protein interactions between transcription factors bound to the sites, e.g., homodimerization or heterodimerization of the transcription factors. In certain embodiments, such protein-protein interactions between transcription factors stabilize their interactions, e.g., binding, to the oligonucleotide decoy, thereby increasing the binding affinity of the oligonucleotide decoy for one or more of the target transcription factors.

In certain embodiments, the transcription factor binding sites of an oligonucleotide decoy each bind to the same transcription factor, e.g., EGR1. In other embodiments, the transcription factor binding sites of an oligonucleotide decoy bind to different transcription factors, e.g., different members of a closely related family of transcription factors (e.g., different members of the EGR1 family) or a combination of transcription factors selected from the group consisting of POU1F1, POU2F, POU3F, POU4F1, POU5F1, USF, EGR1, CREB/ATF, AP1, CEBP, SRF, ETS1, MEF2, SP1, RUNX, NFAT, ELK1, ternary complex factors, STAT, GATA1, ELF1, nuclear factor—granulocyte/macrophage a, HNF1, ZFHX3, IRF, TEAD1, TBP, NFY, caccc-box binding factors, KLF4, KLF7, IKZF, MAF, REST, HSF, KCNIP3 and PPAR transcription factors.

In certain embodiments, the transcription factor binding sites of an oligonucleotide decoy are separated from each other by a linker sequence. Linker sequences can be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more base pairs in length. Typically, linker sequences will be two to five base pairs in length. In other embodiments, the transcription factor binding sites can be immediately adjacent to one another (e.g., no linker sequence is present) or overlapping. In cases where the transcription factor binding sites are overlapping, the transcription factor binding sites can share 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more base pairs. Alternatively, one or both of the transcription factor binding sites can be lacking base pairs that otherwise form part of a consensus binding sequence for the transcription factor(s) that bind to the site. In general, however, base pairs that are critical to the binding interaction between a transcription factor binding site and the transcription factors that bind to the site (e.g., base pairs that are essentially invariant in a consensus binding sequence for a particular transcription factor) are not shared or missing when transcription binding sequences are overlapping.

In certain embodiments, oligonucleotide decoys comprise flanking sequences located at each end of the decoy sequence. Flanking sequences can be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more base pairs in length. In general, flanking sequences are two to five base pairs in length. In preferred embodiments, 5′ flanking sequences starts with a G/C base pair and 3′ flanking sequences terminate in a G/C base pair. In preferred embodiments, flanking sequences do not form part of a transcription factor binding site or do not interact with or bind to transcription factors. In other embodiments, flanking sequences form weak interactions with transcription factors bound to an adjacent transcription factor binding site.

In certain embodiments, oligonucleotide decoys are generally at least 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, or more base pairs in length. In related embodiments, oligonucleotide decoys are generally less than 65, 60, 55, 50, or 45 base pairs in length. In preferred embodiments, oligonucleotide decoys are about 20 to 40 base pairs in length. In other embodiments, oligonucleotide decoys are about 20 to 35, 25 to 40, or 25 to 35 base pairs in length.

In certain embodiments, the oligonucleotide decoys comprise: (a) a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs.: 1-40, 42, 45 and 47-53; or (b) a sequence having at least 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identity with a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs.: 1-40, 42, 45 and 47-53. In related embodiments, the oligonucleotide decoys comprise a sequence having at least 90% identity with a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs.: 1-39, 42, 45 and 47-52. In other embodiments, the oligonucleotide decoys comprise a sequence having at least 85% identity with a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs.: 1-17, 19-39, 42, 45 and 47-53. In other embodiments, the oligonucleotide decoys comprise a sequence having at least 80% identity with a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs.: 1-5, 7-17, 19-39, 42, 45 and 47-53. In other embodiments, the oligonucleotide decoys comprise a sequence having at least 75% identity with a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs.: 1-4, 7-9, 13, 15-17, 19-23, 26-39, 45, 48, 50, 51 and 53. In other embodiments, the oligonucleotide decoys comprise a sequence having at least 70% identity with a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs.: 1-3, 7-9, 13, 15-17, 19-23, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34-36, 38-39 and 48. In other embodiments, the oligonucleotide decoys comprise a sequence having at least 65% identity with a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs.: 2-3, 9, 13, 15-16, 19-23, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34-36, 38 and 39. In other embodiments, the oligonucleotide decoys comprise a sequence having at least 60% identity with a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs.: 2, 13, 15-16, 21, 23, 26, 30, 32, 34-36, 38 and 39. In still other embodiments, the oligonucleotide decoys comprise a sequence having at least 55% identity with a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs.: 16, 23, 30, 32, 34, 35, 38 and 39. In still other embodiments, the oligonucleotide decoys comprise a sequence having at least 50% identity with a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs.: 30, 32, 35, and 38.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy comprises a double-stranded sequence represented by formula (1):

(1)  5′-S₁n₂n₃n₄n₅A₆T₇D₈B₉N₁₀d₁₁d₁₂n₁₃n₁₄n₁₅n₁₆n₁₇A₁₈ T₁₉D₂₀......B₂₁N₂₂H₂₃H₂₄n₂₅n₂₆n₂₇n₂₈n₂₉n₃₀S₃₁-3′

wherein “A” is an adenine nucleotide, “C” is a cytosine nucleotide, “G” is a guanine nucleotide, “T” is a thymine nucleotide, “S” can be a G or C nucleotide, “N” can be any nucleotide, “D” can be an A, G, or T nucleotide, “B” can be a C, G, or T nucleotide, lower case letters can optionally be deleted, and the numbers in subscript represent the position of a nucleotide in the sequence. Although the formula shows a single strand, it should be understood that a complementary strand is included as part of the structure. In preferred embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy having a sequence represented by formula (1) has at least about 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 88%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 1. Such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to POU2F1 transcription factor. In certain embodiments, such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to one or more transcription factors closely related to POU2F1 transcription factor, such as POU2F2, POU3F1-2, and POU5F1.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy represented by formula (1) comprises a deletion of one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7) nucleotides selected from the group consisting of d₁₁, d₁₂, n₁₃, n₁₄, n₁₅, n₁₆, and n₁₇. In certain embodiments, oligonucleotide decoys comprising a deletion of one or more nucleotides selected from the group consisting of d₁₁, d₁₂, n₁₃, n₁₄, n₁₅, n₁₆, and n₁₇ have at least 70% identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 1.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy comprises a double-stranded sequence represented by formula (2):

(2)  5′-S₁n₂n₃n₄n₅n₆Y₇C₈V₉Y₁₀R₁₁N₁₂G₁₃n₁₄n₁₅c₁₆v₁₇y₁₈ d₁₉b₂₀......g₂₁y₂₂C₂₃V₂₄Y₂₅R₂₆B₂₇G₂₈R₂₉n₃₀n₃₁n₃₂ n₃₃n₃₄n₃₅S₃₆-3′

wherein “A” is an adenine nucleotide, “C” is a cytosine nucleotide, “G” is a guanine nucleotide, “T” is a thymine nucleotide, “S” can be a G or C nucleotide, “N” can be any nucleotide, “D” can be an A, G, or T nucleotide, “B” can be a C, G, or T nucleotide, “R” can be a G or an A, “V” can be an A, C, or G, “Y” can be a C or a T, lower case letters can optionally be deleted, and the numbers in subscript represent the position of a nucleotide in the sequence. Although the formula shows a single strand, it should be understood that a complementary strand is included as part of the structure. In preferred embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy having a sequence represented by formula (2) has at least about 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 88%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 2. Such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to USF1 transcription factor. In certain embodiments, such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to one or more transcription factors closely related to USF1 transcription factor, such as USF2.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy represented by formula (2) comprises a deletion of one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9) nucleotides selected from the group consisting of n₁₄, n₁₅, c₁₆, v₁₇, y₁₈, d₁₉, b₂₀, g₂₁, and y₂₂. In certain embodiments, oligonucleotide decoys comprising a deletion of one or more nucleotides selected from the group consisting of n₁₄, n₁₅, c₁₆, v₁₇, y₁₈, d₁₉, b₂₀, g₂₁, and y₂₂ have at least 60% identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 2.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy comprises a double-stranded sequence represented by formula (3):

(3) 5′-S₁n₂n₃W₄W₅G₆S₇G₈K₉R₁₀G₁₁G₁₂M₁₃n₁₄n₁₅n₁₆ . . . . . . w₁₇w₁₈w₁₉g₂₀s₂₁g₂₂K₂₃R₂₄G₂₅G₂₆M₂₇D₂₈n₂₉n₃₀ n₃₁n₃₂n₃₃S₃₄-3′

wherein “A” is an adenine nucleotide, “C” is a cytosine nucleotide, “G” is a guanine nucleotide, “T” is a thymine nucleotide, “S” can be a G or C nucleotide, “N” can be any nucleotide, ‘W’ can be an A or a T, “D” can be an A, G, or T nucleotide, “R” can be a G or an A, “K” can be a T or a G, “M” can be a C or an A, lower case letters can optionally be deleted, and the numbers in subscript represent the position of a nucleotide in the sequence. Although the formula shows a single strand, it should be understood that a complementary strand is included as part of the structure. In preferred embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy having a sequence represented by formula (3) has at least about 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 88%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 3. Such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to EGR1 transcription factor. In certain embodiments, such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to one or more transcription factors closely related to EGR1 transcription factor, such as EGR2-4.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy represented by formula (3) comprises a deletion of one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9) nucleotides selected from the group consisting of n₁₄, n₁₅, n₁₆, w₁₇, w₁₈, w₁₉, g₂₀, s₂₁, and g₂₂. In certain embodiments, oligonucleotide decoys comprising a deletion of one or more nucleotides selected from the group consisting of n₁₄, n₁₅, n₁₆, w₁₇, w₁₈, w₁₉, g₂₀, s₂₁, and g₂₂ have at least 65% identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 3.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy comprises a double-stranded sequence represented by formula (4):

(4) 5′-S₁n₂n₃n₄n₅n₆n₇T₈K₉A₁₀S₁₁S₁₂b₁₃m₁₄n₁₆T₁₇ . . . . . . K₁₈A₁₉S₂₀S₂₁B₂₂M₂₃N₂₄n₂₅n₂₆n₂₇n₂₈S₂₉-3′

wherein “A” is an adenine nucleotide, “C” is a cytosine nucleotide, “G” is a guanine nucleotide, “T” is a thymine nucleotide, “S” can be a G or C nucleotide, “N” can be any nucleotide, “B” can be a C, G or T, “K” can be a T or a G, “M” can be a C or an A, lower case letters can optionally be deleted, and the numbers in subscript represent the position of a nucleotide in the sequence. Although the formula shows a single strand, it should be understood that a complementary strand is included as part of the structure. In preferred embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy having a sequence represented by formula (4) has at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 88%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 4. Such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to CREB1 transcription factor. In certain embodiments, such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to one or more transcription factors closely related to CREB1 transcription factor, such as CREB3-5 and ATF1-7.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy represented by formula (4) comprises a deletion of one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3 or 4) nucleotides selected from the group consisting of b₁₃, m₁₄, n₁₅, and n₁₆. In certain embodiments, oligonucleotide decoys comprising a deletion of one or more nucleotides selected from the group consisting of b₁₃, m₁₄, n₁₅, and n₁₆ have at least 75% identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 4.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy comprises a double-stranded sequence represented by formula (5):

(5) 5′-S₁S₂n₃n₄n₅n₆T₇G₈A₉S₁₀k₁₁n₁₂h₁₃r₁₄r₁₅. . . . . .r₁₆t₁₇G₁₈A₁₉S₂₀K₂₁N₂₂H₂₃r₂₄r₂₅n₂₆n₂₇ n₂₈S₂₉S₃₀-3′

wherein “A” is an adenine nucleotide, “C” is a cytosine nucleotide, “G” is a guanine nucleotide, “T” is a thymine nucleotide, “S” can be a G or C nucleotide, “N” can be any nucleotide, “R” can be a G or an A, “K” can be a T or a G, “H” can be a C, T or an A, lower case letters can optionally be deleted, and the numbers in subscript represent the position of a nucleotide in the sequence. Although the formula shows a single strand, it should be understood that a complementary strand is included as part of the structure. In preferred embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy having a sequence represented by formula (5) has at least about 80%, 85%, 88%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 5. Such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to AP1/JUN transcription factors. In certain embodiments, such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to one or more transcription factors closely related to AP1/JUN transcription factors, such as AP1/JUN-B, -D and AP1/FOS.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy represented by formula (5) comprises a deletion of one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7) nucleotides selected from the group consisting of k₁₁, n₁₂, h₁₃, r₁₄, r₁₅, r₁₆, and t₁₇. In certain embodiments, oligonucleotide decoys comprising a deletion of one or more nucleotides selected from the group consisting of k₁₁, n₁₂, h₁₃, r₁₄, r₁₅, r₁₆, and t₁₇ have at least 80% identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 5.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy comprises a double-stranded sequence represented by formula (6):

(6) 5′S₁n₂n₃n₄n₅w₆w₇w₈G₉A₁₀T₁₁T₁₂K₁₃T₁₄s₁₅s₁₆ . . . . . . a₁₇a₁₈k₁₉s₂₀n₂₁g₂₂A₂₃T₂₄T₂₅K₂₆T₂₇C₂₈ S₂₉A₃₀A₃₁K₃₂S₃₃n₃₄n₃₅n₃₆S₃₇-3′

wherein “A” is an adenine nucleotide, “C” is a cytosine nucleotide, “G” is a guanine nucleotide, “T” is a thymine nucleotide, “S” can be a G or C nucleotide, “N” can be any nucleotide, “W” can be A or T, “K” can be a T or a G, lower case letters can optionally be deleted, and the numbers in subscript represent the position of a nucleotide in the sequence. Although the formula shows a single strand, it should be understood that a complementary strand is included as part of the structure. In preferred embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy having a sequence represented by formula (6) has at least about 85%, 88%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 6. Such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to CEBPA transcription factor. In certain embodiments, such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to one or more transcription factors closely related to CEBPA transcription factor, such as CEBP-B, -D, -E, -G, -Z.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy represented by formula (6) comprises a deletion of one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8) nucleotides selected from the group consisting of s₁₅, s₁₆, a₁₇, a₁₈, k₁₉, s₂₀, n₂₁, and g₂₂. In certain embodiments, oligonucleotide decoys comprising a deletion of one or more nucleotides selected from the group consisting of s₁₅, s₁₆, a₁₇, a₁₈, k₁₉, s₂₀, n₂₁, and g₂₂ have at least 85% identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 6.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy comprises a double-stranded sequence represented by formula (7):

(7) 5′-S₁n₂n₃n₄n₅n₆g₇g₈a₉t₁₀r₁₁t₁₂C₁₃C₁₄A₁₅T₁₆A₁₇T₁₈ . . . . . . T₁₉A₂₀G₂₁G₂₂a₂₃g₂₄a₂₅t₂₆n₂₇n₂₈n₂₉ n₃₀w₃₁w₃₂s₃₃S₃₄-3′

wherein “A” is an adenine nucleotide, “C” is a cytosine nucleotide, “G” is a guanine nucleotide, “T” is a thymine nucleotide, “S” can be a G or C nucleotide, “N” can be any nucleotide, “W” can be an A or T, Y can be a C or T, “R” can be a G or A, lower case letters can optionally be deleted, and the numbers in subscript represent the position of a nucleotide in the sequence. Although the formula shows a single strand, it should be understood that a complementary strand is included as part of the structure. In preferred embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy having a sequence represented by formula (7) has at least about 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 88%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 7. Such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to SRF transcription factor. In certain embodiments, such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to one or more transcription factors closely related to SRF transcription factor, such as ELK1.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy represented by formula (7) comprises a deletion of one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 or 17) nucleotides selected from the group consisting of g₇, g₈, a₉, t₁₀, r₁₁, t₁₂, a₂₃, g₂₄, a₂₅, t₂₆, n₂₇, n₂₈, n₂₉, n₃₀, w₃₁, w₃₂ and s₃₃. In certain embodiments, oligonucleotide decoys comprising a deletion of one or more nucleotides selected from the group consisting of g₇, g₈, a₉, t₁₀, r₁₁, t₁₂, a₂₃, g₂₄, a₂₅, t₂₆, n₂₇, n₂₈, n₂₉, n₃₀, w₃₁, w₃₂ and s₃₃ have at least 70% identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 7.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy comprises a double-stranded sequence represented by formula (8):

(8) 5′-S₁n₂n₃n₄n₅C₆A₇G₈G₉A₁₀d₁₁d₁₂d₁₃d₁₄d₁₅d₁₆d₁₇d₁₈ . . . . . . d₁₉T₂₀C₂₁C₂₂A₂₃T₂₄A₂₅T₂₆T₂₇A₂₈G₂₉n₃₀n₃₁ n₃₂n₃₃S₃₄-3′

wherein “A” is an adenine nucleotide, “C” is a cytosine nucleotide, “G” is a guanine nucleotide, “T” is a thymine nucleotide, “S” can be a G or C nucleotide, “N” can be any nucleotide, “D” can be an A, T or G, lower case letters can optionally be deleted, and the numbers in subscript represent the position of a nucleotide in the sequence. Although the formula shows a single strand, it should be understood that a complementary strand is included as part of the structure. In preferred embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy having a sequence represented by formula (8) has at least about 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 88%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 8. Such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to SRF transcription factor. In certain embodiments, such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to one or more transcription factors closely related to SRF transcription factor, such as ETS1.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy represented by formula (8) comprises a deletion of one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9) nucleotides selected from the group consisting of d₁₁, d_(u), d₁₃, d₁₄, d₁₅, d₁₆, d₁₇, d₁₈ and d₁₉. In certain embodiments, oligonucleotide decoys comprising a deletion of one or more nucleotides selected from the group consisting of d₁₁, d₁₂, d₁₃, d₁₄, d₁₅, d₁₆, d₁₇, d₁₈ and d₁₉ have at least 70% identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 8.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy comprises a double-stranded sequence represented by formula (9):

(9) 5′-S₁n₂n₃n₄n₅C₆T₇A₈W₉A₁₀M₁₁W₁₂T₁₃A₁₄A₁₅n₁₆ . . . . . . n₁₇n₁₈n₁₉c₂₀t₂₁A₂₂W₂₃A₂₄A₂₅A₂₆T₂₇A₂₈A₂₉A₃₀ A₃₁n₃₂n₃₃n₃₄S₃₅-3′

wherein “A” is an adenine nucleotide, “C” is a cytosine nucleotide, “G” is a guanine nucleotide, “T” is a thymine nucleotide, “S” can be a G or C nucleotide, “N” can be any nucleotide, “W” can be an A or an T, “M” can be a C or an A, lower case letters can optionally be deleted, and the numbers in subscript represent the position of a nucleotide in the sequence. Although the formula shows a single strand, it should be understood that a complementary strand is included as part of the structure. In preferred embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy having a sequence represented by formula (9) has at least about 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 88%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 9. Such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to MEF2A transcription factor. In certain embodiments, such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to one or more transcription factors closely related to MEF2A transcription factor, such as MEF2B-C.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy represented by formula (9) comprises a deletion of one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6) nucleotides selected from the group consisting of n₁₆, n₁₇, n₁₈, n₁₉, c₂₀ and t₂₁. In certain embodiments, oligonucleotide decoys comprising a deletion of one or more nucleotides selected from the group consisting of n₁₆, n₁₇, n₁₈, n₁₉, c₂₀ and t₂₁ have at least 65% identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 9.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy comprises a double-stranded sequence represented by formula (10):

(10) 5′-n₁n₂n₃n₄R₅R₆G₇S₈C₉S₁₀K₁₁r₁₂r₁₃n₁₄n₁₅n₁₆ . . . . . . r₁₇r₁₈G₁₉S₂₀C₂₁K₂₂R₂₃R₂₄N₂₅n₂₆n₂₇ n₂₈n₂₉n₃₀-3′

wherein “A” is an adenine nucleotide, “C” is a cytosine nucleotide, “G” is a guanine nucleotide, “T” is a thymine nucleotide, “S” can be a G or C nucleotide, “N” can be any nucleotide, “K” can be a T or a G, “R” can be a G or an A, lower case letters can optionally be deleted, and the numbers in subscript represent the position of a nucleotide in the sequence. Although the formula shows a single strand, it should be understood that a complementary strand is included as part of the structure. In preferred embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy having a sequence represented by formula (10) has at least about 80%, 85%, 88%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 10. Such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to SP1 transcription factor. In certain embodiments, such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to one or more transcription factors closely related to SP1 transcription factor, such as SP2-8.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy represented by formula (10) comprises a deletion of one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7) nucleotides selected from the group consisting of r₁₂, r₁₃, n₁₄, n₁₅, n₁₆, r₁₇, and r₁₈. In certain embodiments, oligonucleotide decoys comprising a deletion of one or more nucleotides selected from the group consisting of n₁₆, n₁₇, n₁₈, n₁₉, c₂₀ and t₂₁ have at least 80% identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 10.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy comprises a double-stranded sequence represented by formula (11):

(11) 5′-n₁n₂n₃n₄n₅G₆G₇C₈G₉G₁₀G₁₁G₁₂s₁₃s₁₄s₁₅s₁₆s₁₇. . . . . . s₁₈s₁₉s₂₀S₂₁S₂₂S₂₃C₂₄G₂₅G₂₆G₂₇C₂₈G₂₉ G₃₀T₃₁T₃₂T₃₃A₃₄C₃₅-3′

wherein “A” is an adenine nucleotide, “C” is a cytosine nucleotide, “G” is a guanine nucleotide, “T” is a thymine nucleotide, “S” can be a G or C nucleotide, “N” can be any nucleotide, lower case letters can optionally be deleted, and the numbers in subscript represent the position of a nucleotide in the sequence. Although the formula shows a single strand, it should be understood that a complementary strand is included as part of the structure. In preferred embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy having a sequence represented by formula (11) has at least about 80%, 85%, 88%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 11. Such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to SP 1 transcription factor. In certain embodiments, such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to one or more transcription factors closely related to SP1 transcription factor, such as SP2-8.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy represented by formula (11) comprises a deletion of one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11) nucleotides selected from the group consisting of s₁₃ s₁₄, s₁₅, s₁₆, s₁₇, s₁₈, s₁₉, s₂₀, s₂₁, s₂₂, and s₂₃. In certain embodiments, oligonucleotide decoys comprising a deletion of one or more nucleotides selected from the group consisting of s₁₃, s₁₄ s₁₅, s₁₆, s₁₇, s₁₈, s₁₉, s₂₀, s₂₁, s₂₂, and s₂₃ have at least 80% identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 11.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy comprises a double-stranded sequence represented by formula (12):

(12) 5′-S₁n₂n₃n₄n₅W₆G₇Y₈G₉G₁₀t₁₁d₁₂d₁₃d₁₄d₁₅g₁₆ . . . . . . W₁₇G₁₈Y₁₉G₂₀G₂₁T₂₂D₂₃D₂₄D₂₅D₂₆ n₂₇n₂₈S₂₉-3′

wherein “A” is an adenine nucleotide, “C” is a cytosine nucleotide, “G” is a guanine nucleotide, “T” is a thymine nucleotide, “S” can be a G or C nucleotide, “N” can be any nucleotide, “W” can be an A or a T, Y can be a C or a T, “D” can be an A, T or a G, lower case letters can optionally be deleted, and the numbers in subscript represent the position of a nucleotide in the sequence. Although the formula shows a single strand, it should be understood that a complementary strand is included as part of the structure. In preferred embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy having a sequence represented by formula (12) has at least about 80%, 85%, 88%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 12. Such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to RUNX1 transcription factor. In certain embodiments, such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to one or more transcription factors closely related to RUNX1 transcription factor, such as RUNX2-3.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy represented by formula (12) comprises a deletion of one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6) nucleotides selected from the group consisting of t₁₁, h₁₂, h₁₃, h₁₄, h₁₅, and g₁₆. In certain embodiments, oligonucleotide decoys comprising a deletion of one or more nucleotides selected from the group consisting of t₁₁, h₁₂, h₁₃, h₁₄, h₁₅, and g₁₆ have at least 80% identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 12.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy comprises a double-stranded sequence represented by formula (13):

(13) 5′-S₁n₂n₃n₄n₅T₆T₇G₈G₉G₁₀G₁₁T₁₂C₁₃A₁₄T₁₅A₁₆n₁₇ . . . . . . n₁₈n₁₉n₂₀C₂₁A₂₂C₂₃A₂₄G₂₅G₂₆A₂₇A₂₈C₂₉ C₃₀A₃₁C₃₂A₃₃n₃₄n₃₅S₃₆-3′

wherein “A” is an adenine nucleotide, “C” is a cytosine nucleotide, “G” is a guanine nucleotide, “T” is a thymine nucleotide, “S” can be a G or C nucleotide, “N” can be any nucleotide, lower case letters can optionally be deleted, and the numbers in subscript represent the position of a nucleotide in the sequence. Although the formula shows a single strand, it should be understood that a complementary strand is included as part of the structure. In preferred embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy having a sequence represented by formula (13) has at least about 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 88%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 13. Such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to RUNX1 transcription factor. In certain embodiments, such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to one or more transcription factors closely related to RUNX1 transcription factor, such as RUNX2-3.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy represented by formula (13) comprises a deletion of one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3 or 4) nucleotides selected from the group consisting of n₁₇, n₁₈, n₁₉ and n₂₀. In certain embodiments, oligonucleotide decoys comprising a deletion of one or more nucleotides selected from the group consisting of n₁₇, n₁₈, n₁₉ and n₂₀ have at least 60% identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 13.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy comprises a double-stranded sequence represented by formula (14):

(14) 5′-S₁n₂n₃n₄n₅n₆C₇H₈G₉G₁₀A₁₁H₁₂R₁₃y₁₄n₁₅n₁₆ . . . . . . n₁₇c₁₈C₁₉G₂₀G₂₁A₂₂H₂₃R₂₄Y₂₅n₂₆n₂₇ n₂₈n₂₉n₃₀n₃₁S₃₂-3′

wherein “A” is an adenine nucleotide, “C” is a cytosine nucleotide, “G” is a guanine nucleotide, “T” is a thymine nucleotide, “S” can be a G or C nucleotide, “N” can be any nucleotide, “R” can be G or A, “H” can be A, T or C, “Y” can be a C or a T, lower case letters can optionally be deleted, and the numbers in subscript represent the position of a nucleotide in the sequence. Although the formula shows a single strand, it should be understood that a complementary strand is included as part of the structure. In preferred embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy having a sequence represented by formula (14) has at least about 80%, 85%, 88%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 14. Such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to ETS1 transcription factor. In certain embodiments, such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to one or more transcription factors closely related to ETS1 transcription factor, such as ELK1.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy represented by formula (14) comprises a deletion of one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5) nucleotides selected from the group consisting of y₁₄, n₁₅ n₁₆, n₁₇ and c₁₈. In certain embodiments, oligonucleotide decoys comprising a deletion of one or more nucleotides selected from the group consisting of y₁₄, n₁₅, n₁₆, n₁₇ and c₁₈ have at least 80% identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 14.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy comprises a double-stranded sequence represented by formula (15):

(15) 5′-S₁n₂n₃M₄W₅W₆G₇G₈A₉A₁₀A₁₁A_(l2)n₁₃n₁₄d₁₅W₁₆ . . . . . . W₁₇g₁₈g₁₉a₂₀a₂₁a₂₂a₂₃n₂₄n₂₅d₂₆w₂₇G₂₈ G₂₉A₃₀A₃₁A₃₂A₃₃n₃₄n₃₅n₃₆n₃₇n₃₈n₃₉S₄₀-3′

wherein “A” is an adenine nucleotide, “C” is a cytosine nucleotide, “G” is a guanine nucleotide, “T” is a thymine nucleotide, “S” can be a G or C nucleotide, “N” can be any nucleotide, “D” can be an A, G or a T, “W” can be an A or a T, “M” can be C or A, lower case letters can optionally be deleted, and the numbers in subscript represent the position of a nucleotide in the sequence. Although the formula shows a single strand, it should be understood that a complementary strand is included as part of the structure. In preferred embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy having a sequence represented by formula (15) has at least about 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 88%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 15. Such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to NFATC1 transcription factor. In certain embodiments, such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to one or more transcription factors closely related to NFATC1 transcription factor, such as NFATC2-4.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy represented by formula (15) comprises a deletion of one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15) nucleotides selected from the group consisting of n₁₃, n₁₄, d₁₅, w₁₆, w₁₇, g₁₈, g₁₉, a₂₀, a₂₁, a₂₂, a₂₃, n₂₄, n₂₅, d₂₆ and w₂₇. In certain embodiments, oligonucleotide decoys comprising a deletion of one or more nucleotides selected from the group consisting of n₁₃, n₁₄, d₁₅, w₁₆, w₁₇, g₁₈, g₁₉, a₂₀, a₂₁, a₂₂, a₂₃, n₂₄, n₂₅, d₂₆ and w₂₇ have at least 60% identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 15.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy comprises a double-stranded sequence represented by formula (16):

(16) 5′-S₁n₂n₃n₄n₅n₆C₇A₈C₉T₁₀T₁₁C₁₂C₁₃y₁₄v₁₅ . . . . . . m₁₆n₁₇n₁₈n₁₉y₂₀v₂₁C₂₂T₂₃T₂₄C₂₅C₂₆ T₂₇G₂₈C₂₉n₃₀n₃₁n₃₂S₃₃-3′

wherein “A” is an adenine nucleotide, “C” is a cytosine nucleotide, “G” is a guanine nucleotide, “T” is a thymine nucleotide, “S” can be a G or C nucleotide, “N” can be any nucleotide, “Y” can be T or C, “V” can be G, A or C, “M” can be C or A, lower case letters can optionally be deleted, and the numbers in subscript represent the position of a nucleotide in the sequence. Although the formula shows a single strand, it should be understood that a complementary strand is included as part of the structure. In preferred embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy having a sequence represented by formula (16) has at least about 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 88%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 16. Such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to ELK1 transcription factor. In certain embodiments, such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to one or more transcription factors closely related to ELK1 transcription factor, such as ETS1.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy represented by formula (16) comprises a deletion of one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8) nucleotides selected from the group consisting of y₁₄, v₁₅, m₁₆, n₁₇, n₁₈, n₁₉, y₂₀ and v₂₁. In certain embodiments, oligonucleotide decoys comprising a deletion of one or more nucleotides selected from the group consisting of y₁₄, v₁₅, m₁₆, n₁₇, n₁₈, n₁₉, y₂₀ and v₂₁ have at least 55% identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 16.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy comprises a double-stranded sequence represented by formula (17):

(17) 5′-S₁n₂n₃n₄n₅n₆C₇T₈A₉T₁₀A₁₁A₁₂A₁₃T₁₄g₁₅g₁₆ . . . . . . c₁₇c₁₈t₁₉A₂₀T₂₁A₂₂A₂₃A₂₄T₂₅G₂₆g₂₇ g₂₈g₂₉g₃₀g₃₁g₃₂S₃₃-3′

wherein “A” is an adenine nucleotide, “C” is a cytosine nucleotide, “G” is a guanine nucleotide, “T” is a thymine nucleotide, “S” can be a G or C nucleotide, “N” can be any nucleotide, lower case letters can optionally be deleted, and the numbers in subscript represent the position of a nucleotide in the sequence. Although the formula shows a single strand, it should be understood that a complementary strand is included as part of the structure. In preferred embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy having a sequence represented by formula (17) has at least about 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 88%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 17. Such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to ternary complex factors. In certain embodiments, such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to one or more transcription factors closely related to ternary complex factors, such as SRF.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy represented by formula (17) comprises a deletion of one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5) nucleotides selected from the group consisting of g₁₅, g₁₆, c₁₇, c₁₈ and t₁₉. In certain embodiments, oligonucleotide decoys comprising a deletion of one or more nucleotides selected from the group consisting of g₁₅, g₁₆, c₁₇, c₁₈ and t₁₉ have at least 70% identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 17.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy comprises a double-stranded sequence represented by formula (18):

(18) 5′ - S₁n₂n₃n₄n₅n₆n₇W₈W₉C₁₀G₁₁C₁₂G₁₃G₁₄w₁₅w₁₆g₁₇g₁₈w₁₉w₂₀ . . .  . . . w₂₁C₂₂C₂₃G₂₄G₂₅W₂₆W₂₇n₂₈n₂₉n₃₀n₃₁n₃₂S₃₃ - 3′

wherein “A” is an adenine nucleotide, “C” is a cytosine nucleotide, “G” is a guanine nucleotide, “T” is a thymine nucleotide, “S” can be a G or C nucleotide, “N” can be any nucleotide, “W” can an A or a T, lower case letters can optionally be deleted, and the numbers in subscript represent the position of a nucleotide in the sequence. Although the formula shows a single strand, it should be understood that a complementary strand is included as part of the structure. In preferred embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy having a sequence represented by formula (18) has at least about 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 18. Such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to STAT1 transcription factor. In certain embodiments, such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to one or more transcription factors closely related to STAT1 transcription factor, such as STAT2-6.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy represented by formula (18) comprises a deletion of one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7) nucleotides selected from the group consisting of w₁₅, w₁₆, g₁₇, g₁₈, w₁₉, w₂₀ and w₂₁. In certain embodiments, oligonucleotide decoys comprising a deletion of one or more nucleotides selected from the group consisting of w₁₅, w₁₆, g₁₇, g₁₈, w₁₉, w₂₀ and w₂₁ have at least 90% identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 18.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy comprises a double-stranded sequence represented by formula (19):

(19) 5′ - S₁n₂n₃n₄T₅G₆C₇C₈T₉T₁₀A₁₁T₁₂C₁₃T₁₄c₁₅t₁₆n₁₇n₁₈g₁₉g₂₀ . . .  . . . G₂₁A₂₂T₂₃A₂₄A₂₅S₂₆n₂₇n₂₈n₂₉n₃₀S₃₁ - 3′

wherein “A” is an adenine nucleotide, “C” is a cytosine nucleotide, “G” is a guanine nucleotide, “T” is a thymine nucleotide, “S” can be a G or C nucleotide, “N” can be any nucleotide, lower case letters can optionally be deleted, and the numbers in subscript represent the position of a nucleotide in the sequence. Although the formula shows a single strand, it should be understood that a complementary strand is included as part of the structure. In preferred embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy having a sequence represented by formula (19) has at least about 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 19. Such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to GATA1 transcription factor. In certain embodiments, such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to one or more transcription factors closely related to GATA1 transcription factor, such as GATA2-4.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy represented by formula (19) comprises a deletion of one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6) nucleotides selected from the group consisting of c₁₅, t₁₆, n₁₇, n₁₈, g₁₉ and g₂₀. In certain embodiments, oligonucleotide decoys comprising a deletion of one or more nucleotides selected from the group consisting of c₁₅, t₁₆, n₁₇, n₁₈, g₁₉ and g₂₀ have at least 65% identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 19.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy comprises a double-stranded sequence represented by formula (20):

(20) 5′ - S₁n₂n₃n₄n₅n₆T₇G₈A₉A₁₀T₁₁w₁₂w₁₃g₁₄a₁₅g₁₆g₁₇a₁₈a₁₉a₂₀ . . .  . . . a₂₁w₂₂w₂₃G₂₄C₂₅A₂₆T₂₇G₂₈C₂₉n₃₀n₃₁S₃₂ - 3′

wherein “A” is an adenine nucleotide, “C” is a cytosine nucleotide, “G” is a guanine nucleotide, “T” is a thymine nucleotide, “S” can be a G or C nucleotide, “N” can be any nucleotide, “W” can an A or a T, lower case letters can optionally be deleted, and the numbers in subscript represent the position of a nucleotide in the sequence. Although the formula shows a single strand, it should be understood that a complementary strand is included as part of the structure. In preferred embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy having a sequence represented by formula (20) has at least about 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 20. Such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to ELF1 transcription factor. In certain embodiments, such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to one or more transcription factors closely related to ELF1 transcription factor, such as POU1F1.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy represented by formula (20) comprises a deletion of one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12) nucleotides selected from the group consisting of w₁₂, w₁₃, g₁₄, a₁₅, g₁₆, g₁₇, a₁₅, a₁₉, a₂₀, a₂₁, w₂₂ and w₂₃. In certain embodiments, oligonucleotide decoys comprising a deletion of one or more nucleotides selected from the group consisting of w₁₂, w₁₃, g₁₄, a₁₅, g₁₆, g₁₇, a₁₈, a₁₉, a₂₀, a₂₁, w₂₂ and w₂₃ have at least 65% identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 20

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy comprises a double-stranded sequence represented by formula (21):

(21) 5′ - S₁n₂n₃n₄n₅G₆A₇G₈A₉T₁₀T₁₁k₁₂c₁₃a₁₄c₁₅n₁₆n₁₇n₁₈g₁₉a₂₀ . . .  . . . g₂₁a₂₂t₂₃T₂₄K₂₅C₂₆A₂₇C₂₈n₂₉n₃₀n₃₁n₃₂S₃₃ - 3′

wherein “A” is an adenine nucleotide, “C” is a cytosine nucleotide, “G” is a guanine nucleotide, “T” is a thymine nucleotide, “S” can be a G or C nucleotide, “N” can be any nucleotide, “K” can be a G or a T, lower case letters can optionally be deleted, and the numbers in subscript represent the position of a nucleotide in the sequence. Although the formula shows a single strand, it should be understood that a complementary strand is included as part of the structure. In preferred embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy having a sequence represented by formula (21) has at least about 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 21. Such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to “nuclear factor—granulocyte/macrophage a” transcription factors. In certain embodiments, such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to one or more transcription factors closely related to “nuclear factor—granulocyte/macrophage a” transcription factors, such as “nuclear factor—granulocyte/macrophage b-c”.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy represented by formula (21) comprises a deletion of one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12) nucleotides selected from the group consisting of k₁₂, c₁₃, a₁₄, c₁₅, n₁₆, n₁₇, n₁₈, g₁₉, a₂₀, g₂₁, a₂₂ and t₂₃. In certain embodiments, oligonucleotide decoys comprising a deletion of one or more nucleotides selected from the group consisting of k₁₂, c₁₃, a₁₄, c₁₅, n₁₆, n₁₇, n₁₈, g₁₉, a₂₀, g₂₁, a₂₂ and t₂₃ have at least 60% identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 21.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy comprises a double-stranded sequence represented by formula (22):

(22) 5′ - S₁n₂n₃n₄n₅K₆C₇M₈T₉W₁₀A₁₁W₁₂t₁₃r₁₄m₁₅w₁₆n₁₇r₁₈m₁₉w₂₀ . . .  . . . K₂₁C₂₂M₂₃T₂₄W₂₅A₂₆W₂₇T₂₈n₂₉n₃₀n₃₁S₃₂ - 3′

wherein “A” is an adenine nucleotide, “C” is a cytosine nucleotide, “G” is a guanine nucleotide, “T” is a thymine nucleotide, “S” can be a G or C nucleotide, “N” can be any nucleotide, “W” can an A or a T, “K” can be a G or a T, “M” can be an A or a C, “R” can be an A or a G, lower case letters can optionally be deleted, and the numbers in subscript represent the position of a nucleotide in the sequence. Although the formula shows a single strand, it should be understood that a complementary strand is included as part of the structure. In preferred embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy having a sequence represented by formula (22) has at least about 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 22. Such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to POU4F1 transcription factor. In certain embodiments, such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to one or more transcription factors closely related to POU4F1 transcription factor, such as POU4F2-3.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy represented by formula (22) comprises a deletion of one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8) nucleotides selected from the group consisting of t₁₃, r₁₄, m₁₅, w₁₆, n₁₇, r₁₈, m₁₉ and w₂₀. In certain embodiments, oligonucleotide decoys comprising a deletion of one or more nucleotides selected from the group consisting of t₁₃, r₁₄, m₁₅, w₁₆, n₁₇, r₁₈, m₁₉ and w₂₀ have at least 65% identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 22.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy comprises a double-stranded sequence represented by formula (23):

(23) 5′ - S₁n₂n₃n₄A₅G₆K₇A₈A₉A₁₀D₁₁N₁₂D₁₃T₁₄h₁₅h₁₆h₁₇n₁₈n₁₉n₂₀ . . .  . . . h₂₁h₂₂H₂₃Y₂₄A₂₅A₂₆D₂₇N₂₈D₂₉T₃₀W₃₁V₃₂M₃₃t₃₄g₃₅c₃₆ - 3′

wherein “A” is an adenine nucleotide, “C” is a cytosine nucleotide, “G” is a guanine nucleotide, “T” is a thymine nucleotide, “S” can be a G or C nucleotide, “N” can be any nucleotide, “Y” can be T or C, “V” can be G, A or C, “K” can be T or G, “D” can be G, A or T, “H” can be A, T or C, “W” can be A or T, lower case letters can optionally be deleted, and the numbers in subscript represent the position of a nucleotide in the sequence. Although the formula shows a single strand, it should be understood that a complementary strand is included as part of the structure. In preferred embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy having a sequence represented by formula (23) has at least about 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 88%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 23. Such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to HNF1A transcription factor. In certain embodiments, such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to one or more transcription factors closely related to HNF1A transcription factor, such as HNF1B-C.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy represented by formula (23) comprises a deletion of one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8) nucleotides selected from the group consisting of h₁₅, h₁₆, h₁₇, n₁₈, n₁₉, n₂₀, h₂₁ and h₂₂. In certain embodiments, oligonucleotide decoys comprising a deletion of one or more nucleotides selected from the group consisting of h₁₅, h₁₆, h₁₇, n₁₈, n₁₉, n₂₀, h₂₁ and h₂₂ have at least 55% identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 23.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy comprises a double-stranded sequence represented by formula (24):

(24) 5′ - S₁n₂n₃n₄n₅A₆A₇T₈A₉A₁₀t₁₁n₁₂n₁₃a₁₄t₁₅T₁₆A₁₇T₁₈T₁₉w₂₀ . . .  . . . w₂₁n₂₂n₂₃n₂₄S₂₅ - 3′

wherein “A” is an adenine nucleotide, “C” is a cytosine nucleotide, “G” is a guanine nucleotide, “T” is a thymine nucleotide, “S” can be a G or C nucleotide, “N” can be any nucleotide, “W” can be an A or a T, lower case letters can optionally be deleted, and the numbers in subscript represent the position of a nucleotide in the sequence. Although the formula shows a single strand, it should be understood that a complementary strand is included as part of the structure. In preferred embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy having a sequence represented by formula (24) has at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 24. Such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to ZFHX3 transcription factor. In certain embodiments, such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to one or more transcription factors closely related to ZFHX3 transcription factor, such as ZFHX-2, -4.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy represented by formula (24) comprises a deletion of one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5) nucleotides selected from the group consisting of t₁₁, n₁₂, n₁₃, a₁₄ and t₁₅. In certain embodiments, oligonucleotide decoys comprising a deletion of one or more nucleotides selected from the group consisting of t₁₁, n₁₂, n₁₃, a₁₄ and t₁₅ have at least 80% identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 24.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy comprises a double-stranded sequence represented by formula (25):

(25) 5′ - S₁n₂n₃n₄S₅D₆H₇W₈M₉S₁₀H₁₁k₁₂w₁₃w₁₄m₁₅c₁₆s₁₇s₁₈d₁₉h₂₀ . . .  . . . w₂₁m₂₂s₂₃h₂₄K₂₅W₂₆W₂₇M₂₈C₂₉S₃₀n₃₁n₃₂n₃₃n₃₄S₃5 - 3′

wherein “A” is an adenine nucleotide, “C” is a cytosine nucleotide, “G” is a guanine nucleotide, “T” is a thymine nucleotide, “S” can be a G or C nucleotide, “N” can be any nucleotide, “W” can be an A or T, “D” can be A, G or T, “H” can be A, C or T, “M” can be A or C, “K” can be G or T, lower case letters can optionally be deleted, and the numbers in subscript represent the position of a nucleotide in the sequence. Although the formula shows a single strand, it should be understood that a complementary strand is included as part of the structure. In preferred embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy having a sequence represented by formula (25) has at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 25. Such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to IRF1 transcription factor. In certain embodiments, such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to one or more transcription factors closely related to IRF1 transcription factor, such as IRF2.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy represented by formula (25) comprises a deletion of one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13) nucleotides selected from the group consisting of k₁₂, w₁₃, w₁₄, m₁₅, c₁₆, s₁₇, s₁₈, d₁₉, h₂₀, w₂₁, m₂₂, s₂₃ and h₂₄. In certain embodiments, oligonucleotide decoys comprising a deletion of one or more nucleotides selected from the group consisting of k₁₂, w₁₃, w₁₄, m₁₅, c₁₆, s₁₇, s₁₈, d₁₉, h₂₀, w₂₁, m₂₂, s₂₃ and h₂₄ have at least 80% identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 25.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy comprises a double-stranded sequence represented by formula (26):

(26) 5′ - S₁n₂n₃n₄y₅k₆g₇y₈k₉G₁₀A₁₁A₁₂y₁₃h₁₄b₁₅b₁₆n₁₇n₁₈n₁₉y₂₀ . . .  . . . h₂₁b₂₂b₂₃k₂₄G₂₅A₂₆A₂₇T₂₈A₂₉T₃₀C₃₁n₃₂n₃₃S₃₄ - 3′

wherein “A” is an adenine nucleotide, “C” is a cytosine nucleotide, “G” is a guanine nucleotide, “T” is a thymine nucleotide, “S” can be a G or C nucleotide, “N” can be any nucleotide, “Y” can be T or C, “V” can be G, A or C, “K” can be T or G, “D” can be G, A or T, “H” can be A, T or G, “B” can be C, G or T, lower case letters can optionally be deleted, and the numbers in subscript represent the position of a nucleotide in the sequence. Although the formula shows a single strand, it should be understood that a complementary strand is included as part of the structure. In preferred embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy having a sequence represented by formula (26) has at least about 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 88%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 26. Such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to TEAD1 transcription factor. In certain embodiments, such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to one or more transcription factors closely related to TEAD1 transcription factor, such as TEAD2-4.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy represented by formula (26) comprises a deletion of one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12) nucleotides selected from the group consisting of y₁₃, h₁₄, b₁₅, b₁₆, n₁₇, n₁₈, n₁₉, y₂₀, h₂₁, h₂₂, b₂₃ and k₂₄. In certain embodiments, oligonucleotide decoys comprising a deletion of one or more nucleotides selected from the group consisting of y₁₃, h₁₄, b₁₅, b₁₆, n₁₇, n₁₈, n₁₉, y₂₀, h₂₁, b₂₂, b₂₃ and k₂₄ have at least 60% identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 26.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy comprises a double-stranded sequence represented by formula (27):

(27) 5′ - S₁n₂n₃n₄T₅A₆T₇A₈W₉w₁₀w₁₁n₁₂n₁₃d₁₄n₁₅t₁₆a₁₇t₁₈A₁₉W₂₀ . . .  . . . w₂₁w₂₂n₂₃n₂₄w₂₅W₂₆T₂₇A₂₈A₂₉D₃₀W₃₁n₃₂n₃₃n₃₄n₃₅n₃₆S₃₇ - 3′

wherein “A” is an adenine nucleotide, “C” is a cytosine nucleotide, “G” is a guanine nucleotide, “T” is a thymine nucleotide, “S” can be a G or C nucleotide, “N” can be any nucleotide, “W” can be an A or a T, “D” can be an A, G or a T, lower case letters can optionally be deleted, and the numbers in subscript represent the position of a nucleotide in the sequence. Although the formula shows a single strand, it should be understood that a complementary strand is included as part of the structure. In preferred embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy having a sequence represented by formula (27) has at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 27. Such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to TBP transcription factor. In certain embodiments, such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to one or more transcription factors closely related to TBP transcription factor, such as TBPL1-2.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy represented by formula (27) comprises a deletion of one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 or 14) nucleotides selected from the group consisting of w₁₀, w₁₁, n₁₂, n₁₃, d₁₄, n₁₅, t₁₆, a₁₇, t₁₈, w₂₁, w₂₂, n₂₃, n₂₄, and w₂₅. In certain embodiments, oligonucleotide decoys comprising a deletion of one or more nucleotides selected from the group consisting of w₁₀, w₁₁, n₁₂, n₁₃, d₁₄, n₁₅, t₁₆, a₁₇, t₁₈, w₂₁, w₂₂, n₂₃, n₂₄, and w₂₅ have at least 75% identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 27.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy comprises a double-stranded sequence represented by formula (28):

(28) 5′ - S₁n₂n₃n₄T₅A₆T₇A₈A₉W₁₀W₁₁n₁₂n₁₃n₁₄n₁₅w₁₆w₁₇w₁₈A₁₉A₂₀ . . .  . . . W₂₁W₂₂k₂₃n₂₄n₂₅n₂₆n₂₇n₂₈S₂₉ - 3′

wherein “A” is an adenine nucleotide, “C” is a cytosine nucleotide, “G” is a guanine nucleotide, “T” is a thymine nucleotide, “S” can be a G or C nucleotide, “N” can be any nucleotide, “W” can be an A or a T, “K” can be a G or a T, lower case letters can optionally be deleted, and the numbers in subscript represent the position of a nucleotide in the sequence. Although the formula shows a single strand, it should be understood that a complementary strand is included as part of the structure. In preferred embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy having a sequence represented by formula (28) has at least about 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 28. Such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to TBP transcription factors. In certain embodiments, such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to one or more transcription factors closely related to TBP transcription factors, such as TBPL1-2.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy represented by formula (28) comprises a deletion of one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7) nucleotides selected from the group consisting of n₁₂, n₁₃, n₁₄, n₁₅, w₁₆, w₁₇ and w₁₈. In certain embodiments, oligonucleotide decoys comprising a deletion of one or more nucleotides selected from the group consisting of n₁₂, n₁₃, n₁₄, n₁₅, w₁₆, w₁₇ and w₁₈ have at least 65% identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 28.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy comprises a double-stranded sequence represented by formula (29):

(29) 5′ - N₁n₂n₃C₄T₅G₆M₇K₈Y₉K₁₀K₁₁Y₁₂t₁₃m₁₄b₁₅y₁₆C₁₇A₁₈A₁₉T₂₀ . . .  . . . s₂₁d₂₂n₂₃n₂₄n₂₅S₂₆ - 3′

wherein “A” is an adenine nucleotide, “C” is a cytosine nucleotide, “G” is a guanine nucleotide, “T” is a thymine nucleotide, “S” can be a G or C nucleotide, “N” can be any nucleotide, “M” can be an A or a C, “K” can be a G or a T, “Y” can be a C or a T, “B” can be a C, G or T, “D” can be an A, G or T, lower case letters can optionally be deleted, and the numbers in subscript represent the position of a nucleotide in the sequence. Although the formula shows a single strand, it should be understood that a complementary strand is included as part of the structure. In preferred embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy having a sequence represented by formula (29) has at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 29. Such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to NFYA transcription factor. In certain embodiments, such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to one or more transcription factors closely related to NFYA transcription factor, such as NFYB-C.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy represented by formula (29) comprises a deletion of one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3 or 4) nucleotides selected from the group consisting of t₁₃, m₁₄, b₁₅ and y₁₆. In certain embodiments, oligonucleotide decoys comprising a deletion of one or more nucleotides selected from the group consisting of t₁₃, m₁₄, b₁₅ and y₁₆ have at least 75% identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 29.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy comprises a double-stranded sequence represented by formula (30):

(30) 5′ - S₁n₂n₃T₄C₅T₆C₇Y₈G₉A₁₀T₁₁T₁₂G₁₃G₁₄Y₁₅y₁₆h₁₇y₁₈b₁₉n₂₀ . . .  . . . n₂₁n₂₂y₂₃y₂₄h₂₅h₂₆v₂₇G₂₈A₂₉T₃₀T₃₁G₃₂G₃₃Y₃₄T₃₅C₃₆B₃₇Y₃₈n₃₉S₄₀ - 3′

wherein “A” is an adenine nucleotide, “C” is a cytosine nucleotide, “G” is a guanine nucleotide, “T” is a thymine nucleotide, “S” can be a G or C nucleotide, “N” can be any nucleotide, “Y” can be T or C, “H” can be A, T or C, “B” can be C, G or T, lower case letters can optionally be deleted, and the numbers in subscript represent the position of a nucleotide in the sequence. Although the formula shows a single strand, it should be understood that a complementary strand is included as part of the structure. In preferred embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy having a sequence represented by formula (30) has at least about 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 88%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 30. Such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to NFYA transcription factor. In certain embodiments, such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to one or more transcription factors closely related to NFYA transcription factor, such as NFYB-C.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy represented by formula (30) comprises a deletion of one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12) nucleotides selected from the group consisting of y₁₆, h₁₇, y₁₈, b₁₉, n₂₀, n₂₁, n₂₂, y₂₃, y₂₄, h₂₅, h₂₆ and v₂₇. In certain embodiments, oligonucleotide decoys comprising a deletion of one or more nucleotides selected from the group consisting of y₁₆, h₁₇, y₁₈, b₁₉, n₂₀, n₂₁, n₂₂, y₂₃, y₂₄, h₂₅, h₂₆ and v₂₇ have at least 50% identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 30.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy comprises a double-stranded sequence represented by formula (31):

(31) 5′ - S₁n₂n₃C₄A₅C₆C₇C₈s₉a₁₀s₁₁s₁₂s₁₃w₁₄s₁₅s₁₆s₁₇w₁₈C₁₉A₂₀ . . .  . . . C₂₁C₂₂C₂₃a₂₄n₂₅n₂₆n₂₇S₂₈ - 3′

wherein “A” is an adenine nucleotide, “C” is a cytosine nucleotide, “G” is a guanine nucleotide, “T” is a thymine nucleotide, “S” can be a G or C nucleotide, “N” can be any nucleotide, “W” can be an A or a T, lower case letters can optionally be deleted, and the numbers in subscript represent the position of a nucleotide in the sequence. Although the formula shows a single strand, it should be understood that a complementary strand is included as part of the structure. In preferred embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy having a sequence represented by formula (31) has at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 31. Such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to CACCC-box binding factors.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy represented by formula (31) comprises a deletion of one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10) nucleotides selected from the group consisting of s₉, a₁₀, s₁₁, s₁₂, d₁₃, w₁₄, s₁₅, d₁₆, s₁₇ and w₁₈. In certain embodiments, oligonucleotide decoys comprising a deletion of one or more nucleotides selected from the group consisting of s₉, a₁₀, s₁₁, s₁₂, s₁₃, w₁₄, s₁₅, s₁₆, s₁₇ and w₁₈ have at least 75% identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 31.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy comprises a double-stranded sequence represented by formula (32):

(32) 5′ - S₁n₂n₃C₄C₅T₆W₇T₈G₉C₁₀C₁₁T₁₂y₁₃y₁₄y₁₅y₁₆y₁₇n₁₈n₁₉n₂₀ . . .  . . . y₂₁y₂₂y₂₃y₂₄y₂₅G₂₆C₂₇C₂₈T₂₉C₃₀C₃₁T₃₂W₃₃S₃₄n₃₅n₃₆S₃₇ - 3′

wherein “A” is an adenine nucleotide, “C” is a cytosine nucleotide, “G” is a guanine nucleotide, “T” is a thymine nucleotide, “S” can be a G or C nucleotide, “N” can be any nucleotide, “Y” can be T or C, “W” can be A or T, lower case letters can optionally be deleted, and the numbers in subscript represent the position of a nucleotide in the sequence. Although the formula shows a single strand, it should be understood that a complementary strand is included as part of the structure. In preferred embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy having a sequence represented by formula (32) has at least about 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 88%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 32. Such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to KLF4 transcription factor. In certain embodiments, such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to one or more transcription factors closely related to KLF4 transcription factor, such as KLF-1, -5.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy represented by formula (32) comprises a deletion of one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13) nucleotides selected from the group consisting of y₁₃, y₁₄, y₁₅, y₁₆, y₁₇, n₁₈, n₁₉, n₂₀, y₂₁, y₂₂, y₂₃, y₂₄ and y₂₅. In certain embodiments, oligonucleotide decoys comprising a deletion of one or more nucleotides selected from the group consisting of y₁₃, y₁₄, y₁₅, y₁₆, y₁₇, n₁₈, n₁₉, n₂₀, y₂₁, y₂₂, y₂₃, y₂₄ and y₂₅ have at least 50% identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 32.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy comprises a double-stranded sequence represented by formula (33):

(33) 5′ - S₁n₂n₃n₄W₅W₆W₇G₈G₉G₁₀w₁₁d₁₂g₁₃n₁₄n₁₅w₁₆w₁₇. . . . . .w₁₈G₁₉G₂₀G₂₁W₂₂D₂₃G₂₄n₂₅n₂₆n₂₇n₂₈S₂₉ - 3′

wherein “A” is an adenine nucleotide, “C” is a cytosine nucleotide, “G” is a guanine nucleotide, “T” is a thymine nucleotide, “S” can be a G or C nucleotide, “N” can be any nucleotide, “W” can be an A or a T, “D” can be an A, G or T, lower case letters can optionally be deleted, and the numbers in subscript represent the position of a nucleotide in the sequence. Although the formula shows a single strand, it should be understood that a complementary strand is included as part of the structure. In preferred embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy having a sequence represented by formula (33) has at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 33. Such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to KLF7 transcription factor. In certain embodiments, such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to one or more transcription factors closely related to KLF7 transcription factor, such as KLF-1, -2, and -5.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy represented by formula (33) comprises a deletion of one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8) nucleotides selected from the group consisting of w₁₁, d₁₂, g₁₃, n₁₄, n₁₅, w₁₆, w₁₇ and w₁₈. In certain embodiments, oligonucleotide decoys comprising a deletion of one or more nucleotides selected from the group consisting of w₁₁, d₁₂, g₁₃, n₁₄, n₁₅, w₁₆, w₁₇ and w₁₈ have at least 75% identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 33.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy comprises a double-stranded sequence represented by formula (34):

(34) 5′ - S₁w₂w₃w₄w₅w₆C₇A₈C₉T₁₀C₁₁A₁₂G₁₃C₁₄w₁₅w₁₆w₁₇w₁₈c₁₉. . . . . .g₂₀g₂₁w₂₂g₂₃w₂₄G₂₅G₂₆G₂₇W₂₈W₂₉g₃₀w₃₁w₃₂w₃₃w₃₄w₃₅S₃₆ - 3′

wherein “A” is an adenine nucleotide, “C” is a cytosine nucleotide, “G” is a guanine nucleotide, “T” is a thymine nucleotide, “S” can be a G or C nucleotide, “N” can be any nucleotide, “W” can be an A or a T, lower case letters can optionally be deleted, and the numbers in subscript represent the position of a nucleotide in the sequence. Although the formula shows a single strand, it should be understood that a complementary strand is included as part of the structure. In preferred embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy having a sequence represented by formula (34) has at least about 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 34. Such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to MAFG transcription factor. In certain embodiments, such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to one or more transcription factors closely related to MAFG transcription factor, such as MAF-A, -B, -F, -K.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy represented by formula (34) comprises a deletion of one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10) nucleotides selected from the group consisting of w₁₅, w₁₆, w₁₇, w₁₈, c₁₉, g₂₀, g₂₁, w₂₂, g₂₃ and w₂₄. In certain embodiments, oligonucleotide decoys comprising a deletion of one or more nucleotides selected from the group consisting of w₁₅, w₁₆, w₁₇, w₁₈, c₁₉, g₂₀, g₂₁, w₂₂, g₂₃ and w₂₄ have at least 55% identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 34.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy comprises a double-stranded sequence represented by formula (35):

(35)  5′ - S₁n₂n₃W₄B₅Y₆A₇G₈Y₉A₁₀C₁₁C₁₂D₁₃N₁₄R₁₅G₁₆H₁₇S₁₈. . . . . .A₁₉G₂₀C₂₁N₂₂N₂₃H₂₄n₂₅n₂₆n₂₇W₂₈B₂₉Y₃₀A₃₁G₃₂Y₃₃A₃₄C₃₅C₃₆. . . . . .D₃₇N₃₈R₃₉G₄₀H₄₁S₄₂A₄₃G₄₄C₄₅N₄₆N₄₇H₄₈n₄₉n₅₀S₅₁ - 3′

wherein “A” is an adenine nucleotide, “C” is a cytosine nucleotide, “G” is a guanine nucleotide, “T” is a thymine nucleotide, “S” can be a G or C nucleotide, “N” can be any nucleotide, “W” can be an A or a T, Y can be a C or a T, “H” can be an A, T or a C, “R” can be G or A, “D” can be G, A or T, “Y” can be C or T, “B” can be C, G or T, lower case letters can optionally be deleted, and the numbers in subscript represent the position of a nucleotide in the sequence. Although the formula shows a single strand, it should be understood that a complementary strand is included as part of the structure. In preferred embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy having a sequence represented by formula (35) has at least about 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 88%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 35. Such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to REST transcription factor.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy represented by formula (35) comprises a deletion of one or more (e.g., 1, 2 or 3) nucleotides selected from the group consisting of n₂₅, n₂₆ and n₂₇. In certain embodiments, oligonucleotide decoys comprising a deletion of one or more nucleotides selected from the group consisting of n₂₅, n₂₆ and n₂₇ have at least 50% identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 35.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy comprises a double-stranded sequence represented by formula (36):

(36) 5′ - S₁n₂n₃n₄n₅G₆A₇R₈M₉A₁₀W₁₁k₁₂s₁₃a₁₄g₁₅k₁₆n₁₇n₁₈. . . . . .n₁₉n₂₀g₂₁a₂₂r₂₃m₂₄A₂₅W₂₆K₂₇S₂₈A₂₉G₃₀K₃₁n₃₂n₃₃n₃₄n₃₅ S₃₆ - 3′

wherein “A” is an adenine nucleotide, “C” is a cytosine nucleotide, “G” is a guanine nucleotide, “T” is a thymine nucleotide, “S” can be a G or C nucleotide, “N” can be any nucleotide, “W” can be an A or a T, “M” can be A or C, “R” can be A or G, “K” can be G or T, lower case letters can optionally be deleted, and the numbers in subscript represent the position of a nucleotide in the sequence. Although the formula shows a single strand, it should be understood that a complementary strand is included as part of the structure. In preferred embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy having a sequence represented by formula (36) has at least about 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 36. Such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to KCNIP3 transcription factor.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy represented by formula (36) comprises a deletion of one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13) nucleotides selected from the group consisting of k₁₂, s₁₃, a₁₄, g₁₅, k₁₆, n₁₇, n₁₈, n₁₉, n₂₀, g₂₁, a₂₂, r₂₃ and m₂₄. In certain embodiments, oligonucleotide decoys comprising a deletion of one or more nucleotides selected from the group consisting of k₁₂, s₁₃, a₁₄, g₁₅, k₁₆, n₁₇, n₁₈, n₁₉, n₂₀, g₂₁, a₂₂, r₂₃ and m₂₄ have at least 60% identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 36.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy comprises a double-stranded sequence represented by formula (37):

(37) 5′ - S₁n₂n₃n₄n₅G₆A₇R₈G₉C₁₀C₁₁S₁₂S₁₃W₁₄g₁₅W₁₆n₁₇n₁₈. . . . . .n₁₉n₂₀g₂₁a₂₂r₂₃G₂₄C₂₅C₂₆S₂₇S₂₈W₂₉G₃₀W₃₁n₃₂n₃₃n₃₄ S₃₅ - 3′

wherein “A” is an adenine nucleotide, “C” is a cytosine nucleotide, “G” is a guanine nucleotide, “T” is a thymine nucleotide, “S” can be a G or C nucleotide, “N” can be any nucleotide, “W” can be an A or a T, “M” can be A or C, “R” can be A or G, lower case letters can optionally be deleted, and the numbers in subscript represent the position of a nucleotide in the sequence. Although the formula shows a single strand, it should be understood that a complementary strand is included as part of the structure. In preferred embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy having a sequence represented by formula (37) has at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 37. Such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to KCNIP3 transcription factor.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy represented by formula (37) comprises a deletion of one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11) nucleotides selected from the group consisting of s₁₃, w₁₄, g₁₅, w₁₆, n₁₇, n₁₈, n₁₉, n₂₀, g₂₁, a₂₂ and r₂₃. In certain embodiments, oligonucleotide decoys comprising a deletion of one or more nucleotides selected from the group consisting of s₁₃, w₁₄, g₁₅, w₁₆, n₁₇, n₁₈, n₁₉, n₂₀, g₂₁, a₂₂ and r₂₃ have at least 75% identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 37.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy comprises a double-stranded sequence represented by formula (38):

(38) 5′ - s₁C₂G₃A₄A₅A₆G₇G₈A₉C₁₀A₁₁A₁₂A₁₃s₁₄s₁₅n₁₆v₁₇v₁₈. . . . . .n₁₉n₂₀n₂₁s₂₂g₂₃d₂₄n₂₅n₂₆G₂₇G₂₈A₂₉C₃₀A₃₁A₃₂A₃₃G₃₄G₃₅T₃₆C₃₇A₃₈ S₃₉ - 3′

wherein “A” is an adenine nucleotide, “C” is a cytosine nucleotide, “G” is a guanine nucleotide, “T” is a thymine nucleotide, “S” can be a G or C nucleotide, “N” can be any nucleotide, “V” can be A, C or G, “D” can be G, A or T, lower case letters can optionally be deleted, and the numbers in subscript represent the position of a nucleotide in the sequence. Although the formula shows a single strand, it should be understood that a complementary strand is included as part of the structure. In preferred embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy having a sequence represented by formula (38) has at least about 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 88%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 38. Such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to PPARA transcription factor. In certain embodiments, such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to one or more transcription factors closely related to PPARA transcription factor, such as PPAR-D, -G.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy represented by formula (38) comprises a deletion of one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10) nucleotides selected from the group consisting of s₁₄, s₁₅, n₁₆, v₁₇, v₁₈, n₁₉, n₂₀, n₂₁, s₂₂ and g₂₃. In certain embodiments, oligonucleotide decoys comprising a deletion of one or more nucleotides selected from the group consisting of s₁₄, s₁₅, n₁₆, v₁₇, n₁₈, n₁₉, n₂₀, n₂₁, s₂₂ and g₂₃ have at least 50% identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 38.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy comprises a double-stranded sequence represented by formula (39):

(39) 5′ - S₁n₂n₃n₄A₅R₆M₇R₈W₉W₁₀y₁₁w₁₂m₁₃g₁₄n₁₅n₁₆a₁₇r₁₈. . . . . .m₁₉r₂₀w₂₁w₂₂y₂₃W₂₄M₂₅G₂₆A₂₇A₂₈T₂₉T₃₀n₃₁n₃₂n₃₃n₃₄ S₃₅ - 3′

wherein “A” is an adenine nucleotide, “C” is a cytosine nucleotide, “G” is a guanine nucleotide, “T” is a thymine nucleotide, “S” can be a G or C nucleotide, “N” can be any nucleotide, “W” can be an A or a T, “R” can be A or G, “M” can be an A or a C, “Y” can be a C or a T, lower case letters can optionally be deleted, and the numbers in subscript represent the position of a nucleotide in the sequence. Although the formula shows a single strand, it should be understood that a complementary strand is included as part of the structure. In preferred embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy having a sequence represented by formula (39) has at least about 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 39. Such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to HSF1 transcription factor. In certain embodiments, the oligonucleotide decoys can bind to one or more transcription factors closely related to HSF1 transcription factor, such as HSF2.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy represented by formula (39) comprises a deletion of one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13) nucleotides selected from the group consisting of y₁₁, w₁₂, m₁₃, g₁₄, n₁₅, n₁₆, a₁₇, r₁₈, m₁₉, r₂₀, w₂₁, w₂₂ and y₂₃. In certain embodiments, oligonucleotide decoys comprising a deletion of one or more nucleotides selected from the group consisting of y₁₁, w₁₂, m₁₃, g₁₄, n₁₅, n₁₆, a₁₇, r₁₈, m₁₉, r₂₀, w₂₁, w₂₂ and y₂₃ have at least 55% identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 39.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy comprises a double-stranded sequence represented by formula (47):

(47) 5′ - S₁n₂n₃n₄n₅n₆C₇A₈C₉T₁₀T₁₁C₁₂C₁₃T₁₄G₁₅C₁₆n₁₇n₁₈n₁₉n₂₀ n₂₁S₂₂ - 3′

wherein “A” is an adenine nucleotide, “C” is a cytosine nucleotide, “G” is a guanine nucleotide, “T” is a thymine nucleotide, “S” can be a G or C nucleotide, “N” can be any nucleotide, lower case letters can optionally be deleted, and the numbers in subscript represent the position of a nucleotide in the sequence. Although the formula shows a single strand, it should be understood that a complementary strand is included as part of the structure. In preferred embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy having a sequence represented by formula (47) has at least about 80%, 85%, 88%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 47. Such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to ELK1 transcription factor. In certain embodiments, such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to one or more transcription factors closely related to ELK1 transcription factor, such as ETS1.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy represented by formula (47) comprises a deletion of one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10) nucleotides selected from the group consisting of n₂, n₃, n₄, n₅, n₆, n₁₇, n₁₈, n₁₉, n₂₀ and n₂₁. In certain embodiments, oligonucleotide decoys comprising a deletion of one or more nucleotides selected from the group consisting of n₂, n₃, n₄, n₅, n₆, n₁₇, n₁₈, n₁₉, n₂₀ and n₂₁ have at least 80% identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 47.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy comprises a double-stranded sequence represented by formula (48):

(48)  5′ - S₁n₂n₃n₄n₅n₆A₇G₈K₉Y₁₀A₁₁A₁₂D₁₃N₁₄D₁₅T₁₆W₁₇V₁₈. . . . . .M₁₉N₂₀n₂₁n₂₂n₂₃n₂₄n₂₅S₂₆ - 3′

wherein “A” is an adenine nucleotide, “C” is a cytosine nucleotide, “G” is a guanine nucleotide, “T” is a thymine nucleotide, “S” can be a G or C nucleotide, “N” can be any nucleotide, “Y” can be T or C, “V” can be G, A or C, “K” can be T or G, “D” can be G, A or T, “W” can be A or T, “M” can be C or A, lower case letters can optionally be deleted, and the numbers in subscript represent the position of a nucleotide in the sequence. Although the formula shows a single strand, it should be understood that a complementary strand is included as part of the structure. In preferred embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy having a sequence represented by formula (48) has at least about 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 88%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 48. Such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to HNF1A transcription factor. In certain embodiments, such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to one or more transcription factors closely related to HNF1A transcription factor, such as HNF1B-C.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy represented by formula (48) comprises a deletion of one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10) nucleotides selected from the group consisting of n₂, n₃, n₄, n₅, n₆, n₂₁, n₂₂, n₂₃, n₂₄ and n₂₅. In certain embodiments, oligonucleotide decoys comprising a deletion of one or more nucleotides selected from the group consisting of n₂, n₃, n₄, n₅, n₆, n₂₁, n₂₂, n₂₃, n₂₄ and n₂₅ have at least 70% identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 48.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy comprises a double-stranded sequence represented by formula (49):

(49) 5′ - S₁n₂n₃T₄C₅T₆C₇Y₈G₉A₁₀T₁₁T₁₂G₁₃G₁₄Y₁₅T₁₆C₁₇B₁₈Y₁₉ n₂₀S₂₁ - 3′

wherein “A” is an adenine nucleotide, “C” is a cytosine nucleotide, “G” is a guanine nucleotide, “T” is a thymine nucleotide, “S” can be a G or C nucleotide, “N” can be any nucleotide, “Y” can be T or C, “B” can be C, G or T, lower case letters can optionally be deleted, and the numbers in subscript represent the position of a nucleotide in the sequence. Although the formula shows a single strand, it should be understood that a complementary strand is included as part of the structure. In preferred embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy having a sequence represented by formula (49) has at least about 80%, 85%, 88%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 49. Such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to NFYA transcription factor. In certain embodiments, such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to one or more transcription factors closely related to NFYA transcription factor, such as NFYB-C.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy represented by formula (49) comprises a deletion of one or more (e.g., 1, 2 or 3) nucleotides selected from the group consisting of n₂, n₃ and n₂₀. In certain embodiments, oligonucleotide decoys comprising a deletion of one or more nucleotides selected from the group consisting of n₂, n₃ and n₂₀ have at least 80% identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 49.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy comprises a double-stranded sequence represented by formula (50):

(50)  5′ - S₁n₂n₃n₄n₅n₆C₇C₈T₉W₁₀T₁₁G₁₂C₁₃C₁₄T₁₅C₁₆C₁₇T₁₈. . . . . .W₁₉S₂₀r₂₁r₂₂n₂₃n₂₄n₂₅S₂₆ - 3′

wherein “A” is an adenine nucleotide, “C” is a cytosine nucleotide, “G” is a guanine nucleotide, “T” is a thymine nucleotide, “S” can be a G or C nucleotide, “N” can be any nucleotide, “W” can be A or T, “R” can be G or A, lower case letters can optionally be deleted, and the numbers in subscript represent the position of a nucleotide in the sequence. Although the formula shows a single strand, it should be understood that a complementary strand is included as part of the structure. In preferred embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy having a sequence represented by formula (50) has at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 88%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 50. Such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to KLF4 transcription factor. In certain embodiments, such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to one or more transcription factors closely related to KLF4 transcription factor, such as KLF-1, -5.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy represented by formula (50) comprises a deletion of one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10) nucleotides selected from the group consisting of n₂, n₃, n₄, n₅, n₆, r₂₁, r₂₂, n₂₃, n₂₄ and n₂₅. In certain embodiments, oligonucleotide decoys comprising a deletion of one or more nucleotides selected from the group consisting of n₂, n₃, n₄, n₅, n₆, r₂₁, r₂₂, n₂₃, n₂₄ and n₂₅ have at least 75% identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 50.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy comprises a double-stranded sequence represented by formula (51):

(51)  5′ - S₁n₂n₃n₄n₅W₆B₇Y₈A₉G₁₀Y₁₁A₁₂C₁₃C₁₄D₁₅N₁₆R₁₇G₁₈. . . . . .H₁₉S₂₀A₂₁G₂₂C₂₃N₂₄N₂₅H₂₆n₂₇n₂₈n₂₉n₃₀S₃₁ - 3′

wherein “A” is an adenine nucleotide, “C” is a cytosine nucleotide, “G” is a guanine nucleotide, “T” is a thymine nucleotide, “S” can be a G or C nucleotide, “N” can be any nucleotide, “W” can be an A or a T, “H” can be an A, T or a C, “R” can be G or A, “D” can be G, A or T, “Y” can be C or T, “B” can be C, G or T, lower case letters can optionally be deleted, and the numbers in subscript represent the position of a nucleotide in the sequence. Although the formula shows a single strand, it should be understood that a complementary strand is included as part of the structure. In preferred embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy having a sequence represented by formula (51) has at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 88%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 51. Such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to REST transcription factor.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy represented by formula (51) comprises a deletion of one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8) nucleotides selected from the group consisting of n₂, n₃, n₄, n₅, n₂₇, n₂₈, n₂₉ and n₃₀. In certain embodiments, oligonucleotide decoys comprising a deletion of one or more nucleotides selected from the group consisting of n₂, n₃, n₄, n₅, n₂₇, n₂₈, n₂₉ and n₃₀ have at least 75% identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 51.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy comprises a double-stranded sequence represented by formula (52):

(52)  5′ - S₁m₂r₃m₄W₅A₆G₇G₈N₉C₁₀A₁₁A₁₂A₁₃G₁₄G₁₅T₁₆C₁₇A₁₈n₁₉. . . . . .n₂₀n₂₁n₂₂S₂₃ - 3′

wherein “A” is an adenine nucleotide, “C” is a cytosine nucleotide, “G” is a guanine nucleotide, “T” is a thymine nucleotide, “S” can be a G or C nucleotide, “N” can be any nucleotide, “W” can be A or T, “R” can be G or A, “M” can be C or A, lower case letters can optionally be deleted, and the numbers in subscript represent the position of a nucleotide in the sequence. Although the formula shows a single strand, it should be understood that a complementary strand is included as part of the structure. In preferred embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy having a sequence represented by formula (52) has at least about 80%, 85%, 88%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 52. Such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to PPARA transcription factor. In certain embodiments, such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to one or more transcription factors closely related to PPARA transcription factor, such as PPAR-D, -G.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy represented by formula (52) comprises a deletion of one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8) nucleotides selected from the group consisting of m₂, r₃, m₄, n₁₉, n₂₀, n₂₁, n₂₂ and g₂₃. In certain embodiments, oligonucleotide decoys comprising a deletion of one or more nucleotides selected from the group consisting of m₂, r₃, M₄, n₁₉, n₂₀, n₂₁, n₂₂ and g_(23h) have at least 80% identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 52.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy comprises a double-stranded sequence represented by formula (53):

(53) 5′ - S₁s₂c₃t₄t₅g₆y₇k₈g₉y₁₀k₁₁G₁₂k₁₃A₁₄T₁₅A₁₆T₁₇c₁₈g₁₉. . . . . .n₂₀n₂₁n₂₂n₂₃n₂₄S₂₅ - 3′

wherein “A” is an adenine nucleotide, “C” is a cytosine nucleotide, “G” is a guanine nucleotide, “T” is a thymine nucleotide, “S” can be a G or C nucleotide, “N” can be any nucleotide, “Y” can be T or C, “K” can be T or G, lower case letters can optionally be deleted, and the numbers in subscript represent the position of a nucleotide in the sequence. Although the formula shows a single strand, it should be understood that a complementary strand is included as part of the structure. In preferred embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy having a sequence represented by formula (53) has at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 88%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 53. Such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to TEAD1 transcription factor. In certain embodiments, such oligonucleotide decoys can bind to one or more transcription factors closely related to TEAD1 transcription factor, such as TEAD2-4.

In certain embodiments, an oligonucleotide decoy represented by formula (53) comprises a deletion of one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 or 17) nucleotides selected from the group consisting of s₂, c₃, t₄, t₅, g₆, y₇, k₈, g₉, y₁₀, k₁₁, c₁₈, g₁₉, n₂₀, n₂₁, n₂₂, n₂₃ and n₂₄. In certain embodiments, oligonucleotide decoys comprising a deletion of one or more nucleotides selected from the group consisting of s₂, c₃, t₄, t₅, g₆, y₇, k₈, g₉, y₁₀, k₁₁, c₁₈, g₁₉, n₂₀, n₂₁, n₂₂, n₂₃ and n₂₄ have at least 75% identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 53.

A double stranded oligonucleotide having a certain percent (e.g., 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 99%) of sequence identity with another sequence means that, when aligned, that percentage determines the level of correspondence of bases arrangement in comparing the two sequences. This alignment and the percent homology or identity can be determined using any suitable software program known in the art that allows local alignment. The software program should be capable of finding regions of local identity between two sequences without the need to include the entire length of the sequences. In some embodiments, such program includes but is not limited to the EMBOSS Pairwise Alignment Algorithm (available from the European Bioinformatics Institute (EBI)), the ClustalW program (also available from the European Bioinformatics Institute (EBI)), or the BLAST program (BLAST Manual, Altschul et al., Natl Cent. Biotechnol. Inf., Natl Lib. Med. (NCIB NLM NIH), Bethesda, Md., and Altschul et al., (1997) NAR 25:3389 3402).

One skilled in the art will recognize that sequences encompassed herein include those that hybridize under stringent hybridization conditions with an exemplified sequence (e.g., SEQ ID NOs.: 1-42, 45, and 47-53). A nucleic acid is hybridizable to another nucleic acid when a single stranded form of the nucleic acid can anneal to the other single stranded nucleic acid under appropriate conditions of temperature and solution ionic strength. Hybridization conditions are well known in the art. In some embodiments, annealing can occur during a slow decrease of temperature from a denaturizing temperature (e.g., 100° C.) to room temperature in a salt containing solvent (e.g., Tris-EDTA buffer).

The oligonucleotide decoys disclosed herein can be chemically modified by methods well known to the skilled artisan (e.g., incorporation of phosphorothioate, methylphosphonate, phosphorodithioate, phosphoramidates, carbonate, thioether, siloxane, acetamidate or carboxymethyl ester linkages between nucleotides) to prevent degradation by nucleases within cells and extra-cellular fluids (e.g., serum, cerebrospinal fluid). Also, oligonucleotide decoys can be designed that form hairpin and dumbbell structures which also prevent or hinder nuclease degradation. Further, the oligonucleotide decoys can also be inserted as a portion of a larger plasmid capable of episomal maintenance or constitutive replication in the target cell in order to provide longer term, enhanced intracellular exposure to the decoy sequence or reduce its degradation. Accordingly, any chemical modification or structural alteration known in the art to enhance oligonucleotide stability is within the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the oligonucleotide decoys disclosed herein can be attached, for example, to polyethylene glycol polymers, peptides (e.g., a protein translocation domain) or proteins which improve the therapeutic effect of oligonucleotide decoys. Such modified oligonucleotide decoys can preferentially traverse the cell membrane.

In certain embodiments, the oligonucleotide decoys are provided as salts, hydrates, solvates, or N-oxide derivatives. In certain embodiments, the oligonucleotide decoys are provided in solution (e.g., a saline solution having a physiologic pH) or in lyophilized form. In other embodiments, the oligonucleotide decoys are provided in liposomes.

In certain embodiments, oligonucleotide decoys include, but are not limited to, sequences presented in Table A. In general, the oligonucleotide decoy is generated by annealing the sequence provided in the table with a complementary sequence. To generate a mismatch double-stranded oligonucleotide, the sequence provided in the table can be annealed to a sequence that is only partially complementary. For example, SEQ ID NO.:43 can be annealed to SEQ ID NO.:46 to produce the mismatched sequence, SEQ ID NO.:43/46.

TABLE A Oligonucleotide Sequences (5′-3′) SEQ ID NO. GGCTTATGCAAATTCGAATGCAAATTTGTCG SEQ ID NO.: 1 CTAAGCCCACGTGACCATTGGCCAGGTGACCAGA SEQ ID NO.: 2 TC GTTATGCGTGGGCGATAATGCGGGGGCGTTATAG SEQ ID NO.: 3 GCCTCCCTGAGCTCATTGACGTATCTCGG SEQ ID NO.: 4 CGAATATGACTGAGAATGACTCAGATTTGC SEQ ID NO.: 5 GGTTCTATGATTTTGGAATCGGATTGTGCAAAGA SEQ ID NO.: 6 AGC GCTTCAGGATGTCCATATTAGGAGATCTTGTTCG SEQ ID NO.: 7 GGCCACAGGATGTAGGATGTCCATATTAGGATGC SEQ ID NO.: 8 GTTCTCTAAAAATAAAAGGCTAAAAATAAAAGTCG SEQ ID NO.: 9 ATTAGGGGCGGGGTCCGGGGCGGGGTATTA SEQ ID NO.: 10 GTTATGGCGGGGCGGGGCGGGGCCGGGCGGTTTAC SEQ ID NO.: 11 GGCAATGTGGTTTTAGTGTGGTTTTACGG SEQ ID NO.: 12 GCCGTTTGGGGTCATAGAACCACAGGAACCACACG SEQ ID NO.: 13 G CATTGCCCGGAAATGGACCGGATGTAATTTCC SEQ ID NO.: 14 GTTCTTGGAAAATAAATGGAAAATAGTGGAAAAT SEQ ID NO.: 15 AAGTCG CGTTCCCACTTCCTGCGACCACTTCCTGCCGGG SEQ ID NO.: 16 CTGCACCTATAAATGGCCTATAAATGGGGATGC SEQ ID NO.: 17 GCTTATTTCGCGGAAGGTTTCCCGGAAGTGGCG SEQ ID NO.: 18 GCTGTGCCTTATCTCTTTGGGATAACTGGCG SEQ ID NO.: 19 GCTTAATGAATAAGAGGAAAAATGCATGCTGG SEQ ID NO.: 20 GTTCTGAGATTGCACGATGAGATTTCACAGTCG SEQ ID NO.: 21 GTCCCGCATAAATAATGGCATCCTTAATCGCG SEQ ID NO.: 22 GTGCAGGCAAGAGTAGAGACAGGCAAGAGTAGATG SEQ ID NO.: 23 C CCGCCAATAATTAATTATTAAGGCC SEQ ID NO.: 24 GCTTCGTTCCATTTCCGGTCTCGGTTTCCCCATTC SEQ ID NO.: 25 GCTGCTGTGGAATATCGACCTGTGGAATATCGTG SEQ ID NO.: 26 GCCGTATAAATGTGCTATAAAAGTTTTAAGACCGT SEQ ID NO.: 27 GC GCCGTATAAATGTGCTATAAAAGCCGTGC SEQ ID NO.: 28 ATGCTGCGCTTTTCTCCAATCTGCGG SEQ ID NO.: 29 CGTTCTCCGATTGGTCACGGACTCTCCGATTGGTC  SEQ ID NO.: 30 ACGGC GCGCACCCCAGCCTGGCTCACCCACGCG SEQ ID NO.: 31 GATCCTTTGCCTCCTTCGATCCTTTGCCTCCTTCA SEQ ID NO.: 32 AG GGTGTTTGGGAGAGCTTTGGGAGGATACG SEQ ID NO.: 33 GCTAATCACTCAGCATTTCGGTGAGGGAAGTGAAA SEQ ID NO.: 34 G CCTTTCAGCACCACGGACAGCGCCAGCTTCAGCAC  SEQ ID NO.: 35 CACGGACAGCGCCTCG GGATCGAACATGGAGTCAGTGAGAAATCAGGATCG SEQ ID NO.: 36 G GGATCGAAGCCGGAGTCAAGGAGGCCCCTGATCGG SEQ ID NO.: 37 CCGAAAGGACAAAGGTCAAGTCGAAAGGACAAAGG SEQ ID NO.: 38 TCAG CGGGAGAAAATTCGGGAACGTTCAAGAATTGTCGG SEQ ID NO.: 39 GTTATGCGTGGGCGTAGATGCGGGGGCGTTATAG SEQ ID NO.: 40 GATGCGTGGGCGTAGG SEQ ID NO.: 41 GTATGCGTGGGCGGTGGGCGTAG SEQ ID NO.: 42 GTTATGCGTTTGTAGATGCTTTCGTTATAG  SEQ ID NO.: 43 GTTATGCGTGGGCGATATAG SEQ ID NO.: 44 GATGCGTGGGCGTTGACGTGGAAAATGC SEQ ID NO.: 45 CTATTTCGAAACGATCTACATTGGCATAAC  SEQ ID NO.: 46 CGTTCCCACTTCCTGCGACCGG SEQ ID NO.: 47 GGGTGAAGGCAAGAGTAGAGCGGCGG SEQ ID NO.: 48 CGTTCTCCGATTGGTCACGCG SEQ ID NO.: 49 GTACTCCCTTTGCCTCCTTCAACCGG SEQ ID NO.: 50 CCTTATTCAGCACCACGGACAGCGCCATTCG SEQ ID NO.: 51 GCGAAAGGACAAAGGTCAGGCGG SEQ ID NO.: 52 GGCTTGCTGTGGAATATCGATGGTG SEQ ID NO.: 53

According to the present invention, the composition of the present invention can further comprise a buffer. Any suitable buffer can be used for the composition of the present invention. In some embodiments, the buffer system used for the composition is compatible with the active ingredient and/or the agent in the composition. In some other embodiment, the buffer system used for the composition of the present invention facilitates or stabilizes the active ingredient and/or the agent. In some other embodiments, the buffer system used for the composition of the present invention is an organic or inorganic buffer. Examples of buffers include phosphate buffers, citrate buffers, borate buffers, bicarbonate buffers, carbonate buffers, acetate buffers, ammonium buffers, and tromethamine (Tris) buffers.

According to the present invention, in some embodiments, when the active ingredient is an oligonucleotide and the agent is an ion, e.g., calcium, the buffer is a non-phosphate based buffer. The amount of buffer employed will be ascertainable to a skilled artisan, such as an amount ranging from 0.01 mM to 1 M, such as 10 mM.

According to the present invention, the composition of the present invention can be a pharmaceutical composition, e.g., including a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers can contain a physiologically acceptable compound that acts, e.g., to stabilize the composition or to increase or decrease the absorption of the active ingredient and/or pharmaceutical composition. Physiologically acceptable compounds can include, for example, carbohydrates, such as glucose, sucrose, or dextrans, antioxidants, such as ascorbic acid or glutathione, chelating agents, low molecular weight proteins, compositions that reduce the clearance or hydrolysis of any co-administered agents, or excipient, or other stabilizers and/or buffers. Detergents can also be used to stabilize the composition or to increase or decrease absorption. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the choice of a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, including a physiologically acceptable compound depends, e.g., on the route of administration of the present powders and on the particular physio-chemical characteristics of any co-administered agent.

In some embodiments, suitable pharmaceutical carriers or vehicles include excipients such as starch, glucose, lactose, sucrose, gelatin, malt, rice, flour, chalk, silica gel, sodium stearate, glycerol monostearate, talc, sodium chloride, dried skim milk, glycerol, propylene, glycol, water, ethanol and the like. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition can also contain minor amounts of wetting or emulsifying agents, or pH buffering agents. In addition, auxiliary, stabilizing, thickening, lubricating and coloring agents can be used.

Pharmaceutical compositions can be manufactured by means of conventional mixing, dissolving, granulating, dragee-making, levigating, emulsifying, encapsulating, entrapping or lyophilizing processes. Pharmaceutical compositions can be formulated in conventional manner using one or more physiologically acceptable carriers, diluents, excipients or auxiliaries, which facilitate processing of compounds disclosed herein into preparations which can be used pharmaceutically. Proper formulation is dependent upon the route of administration chosen.

The present pharmaceutical compositions can take the form of solutions, suspensions, emulsions, tablets, pills, pellets, capsules, capsules containing liquids, powders, sustained-release formulations, suppositories, aerosols, sprays, suspensions, or any other form suitable for use. Other examples of suitable pharmaceutical vehicles have been described in the art (see Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science, 19th Edition, 1995).

According to another aspect of the invention, it provides methods for using the composition of the present invention. In one embodiment, the composition of the present invention can be used to inhibit, reduce, or minimize one or more adverse effects of the active ingredient, e.g., without the agent. In another embodiment, the composition of the present invention can be used to treat one or more conditions or diseases treatable by the active ingredient, e.g., by administering the composition of the active ingredient and the agent, etc. In yet another embodiment, the composition of the present invention can be used to treat one or more conditions or diseases treatable by the active ingredient with decreased or reduced adverse effect(s) of the active ingredient. In still some embodiments, the active ingredient is an oligonucleotide decoy including one or more binding sites for EGR1 and the composition of the present invention comprising the active ingredient can be used to treat pain or related conditions,

In general, “treating” or “treatment” of any condition, disease or disorder refers, in some embodiments, to ameliorating the condition, disease or disorder (i.e., arresting or reducing the development of the disease or at least one of the clinical symptoms thereof). In some embodiments “treating” or “treatment” refers to ameliorating at least one physical parameter, which may not be discernible by the subject. In some embodiments, “treating” or “treatment” refers to inhibiting the condition, disease or disorder, either physically, (e.g., stabilization of a discernible symptom), physiologically, (e.g., stabilization of a physical parameter) or both. In some embodiments, “treating” or “treatment” refers to delaying the onset of a condition, disease, or disorder.

The terms “minimizing,” “inhibiting,” and “reducing,” or any variation of these terms, includes any measurable decrease or complete inhibition or reduction to achieve a desired result. For example, there may be a decrease of 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99%, or more, or any range derivable therein, reduction of activity compared to normal. “Prevention” or “preventing” refers to (1) a reduction in the risk of acquiring a disease or disorder (e.g., causing at least one of the clinical symptoms of a disease not to develop in a patient that may be exposed to or predisposed to the disease but does not yet experience or display symptoms of the disease), or (2) a reduction in the likely severity of a symptom associated with a disease or disorder (e.g., reducing the likely severity of at least one of the clinical symptoms of a disease in a patient that may be exposed to or predisposed to the disease but does not yet experience or display symptoms of the disease).

In still some embodiments, the active ingredient is an oligonucleotide decoy including one or more binding sites for EGR1 and the composition of the present invention comprising the active ingredient can be used to treat, pre-treat, or prevent pain or related conditions. In general, “pain” refers to an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience that is associated with actual or potential tissue damage or described in such terms. All of the different manifestations and qualities of pain, including mechanical pain (e.g., induced by a mechanical stimulus or by body motion; mechanical hyperalgesia or allodynia), temperature-induced pain (e.g., pain induced by hot, warm or cold temperatures), and chemically-induced pain (e.g., pain induced by a chemical) are included. In certain embodiments, pain is chronic, sub-chronic, acute, or sub-acute. “Chronic” refers to a period of time comprising months (e.g., at least two months) or years. “Sub-acute” refers to a period of time comprising hours (e.g., 1 h-24 h). “Sub-chronic” refers to a period of time comprising days or months (e.g., less than two months). In certain embodiments, pain features hyperalgesia (i.e., an increased sensitivity to a painful stimulus) or allodynia (i.e., a painful response to a usually non-painful stimulus). Pain can be inflammatory pain, neuropathic pain, muscular pain, skeletal pain, post-surgery pain, arthritis pain, or diabetes pain. In certain embodiments, pain is pre-existing in a patient. In other embodiments, pain is iatrogenic, induced in a patient (e.g., post-operative pain).

In some embodiments, pain or pain related conditions include nociceptive signaling. In general “nociceptive signaling” refers to molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the detection of a noxious stimulus or of a potentially harmful stimulus, which leads to the perception of pain, including neurotransmitter synthesis and release, neurotransmitter-induced signaling, membrane depolarization, and related intra-cellular and inter-cellular signaling events.

In some other embodiments, pain or pain related conditions include post-operative pain, chronic pain, inflammatory pain, neuropathic pain, muscular pain, and skeletal pain. In certain embodiments, compositions can be used for the prevention of one facet of pain while concurrently treating another symptom of pain.

In certain embodiments, the composition of the present invention can be used for treating or preventing pain in a patient by administering the composition of an oligonucleotide decoy and an agent, wherein the oligonucleotide decoy does not bind to the transcription factors AP1, ETS1 and STAT. In other embodiments, the composition of the present invention can be used for treating or preventing pain in a patient by administering the composition of an oligonucleotide decoy and an agent, wherein the oligonucleotide decoy binds to one or more transcription factors selected from the group consisting of AP1, ETS1, GATA and STAT transcription factors, provided that the pain is not lower back pain due to an intervertebral disc disorder.

In certain embodiments, the composition of the present invention can be used for modulating transcription of a gene present in a cell involved in nociceptive signaling or the perception of pain in a patient by administering the composition of an oligonucleotide decoy, e.g., an oligonucleotide decoy comprising one or more EGR1 binding sites and an agent. In certain embodiments, modulation comprises suppressing or repressing gene expression. “Modulation of gene expression level” refers to any change in gene expression level, including an induction or activation (e.g., an increase in gene expression), an inhibition or suppression (e.g., a decrease in gene expression), or a stabilization (e.g., prevention of the up-regulation or down-regulation of a gene that ordinarily occurs in response to a stimulus, such as a pain-inducing stimulus). In other embodiments, modulation comprises stabilizing gene expression. In still other embodiments, modulation comprises activating or inducing gene expression. In certain embodiments, the gene is involved in nociceptive signaling. Genes involved in nociceptive signaling include, but are not limited to, genes encoding membrane proteins (e.g., ion channels, membrane receptors, etc.), soluble signaling molecules (e.g., intracellular signaling molecules or neurotransmitters), synthetic enzymes (e.g., neurotransmitter synthesis enzymes), and transcription factors. Specific examples of such genes include, but are not limited to, BDKRB2, HTR3A, SCN9A, BDNF, GRM5, NOS1, GCH1, CDK5R1, CACNA1B, P2XR3 and PNMT.

In other embodiments, the composition of the present invention can be used for modulating nociceptive signaling in a cell by contacting the cell with the composition of an oligonucleotide decoy, e.g., an oligonucleotide decoy comprising one or more EGR1 binding sites and an agent. In certain embodiments, modulation comprises suppressing or repressing nociceptive signaling. In certain embodiments, modulating nociceptive signaling in a cell comprises modulating, e.g., increasing, proteolysis of a protein involved in nociceptive signaling in said cell. For instance, abnormally high proteasome activity has been linked to strong deficits of neuronal plasticity (i.e., a major cellular feature of pain). In certain embodiments, modulation comprises activation of an inhibitor of nociceptive signaling.

In still other embodiments, the composition of the present invention can be used for modulating a protein involved in nociceptive signaling in a cell by contacting the cell with the composition of an oligonucleotide decoy, e.g., an oligonucleotide decoy comprising one or more EGR1 binding sites and an agent. In certain embodiments, modulation of protein degradation comprises stimulating proteosome function. In certain embodiments, the protein is involved in nociceptive signaling. Proteins involved in nociceptive signaling include, but are not limited to membrane proteins (e.g., ion channels, membrane receptors, etc.), soluble signaling molecules (e.g., intracellular signaling molecules or neurotransmitters), synthetic enzymes (e.g., neurotransmitter synthesis enzymes), and transcription factors. Specific examples of such proteins include, but are not limited to, BDKRB2, HTR3A, SCN9A, BDNF, GRM5, NOS1, GCH1,

As used herein, the term “effective” (e.g., “an effective amount”) means adequate to accomplish a desired, expected, or intended result. An effective amount can be a therapeutically effective amount. A “therapeutically effective amount” refers to the amount of an active ingredient that, when administered to a subject, is sufficient to effect such treatment of a particular disease or condition. The “therapeutically effective amount” will vary depending on the active ingredient, the disease or condition, the severity of the disease or condition, and the age, weight, etc., of the subject to be treated.

In certain embodiments, one or more active ingredients, such as oligonucleotide decoys, optionally in a composition (e.g., a pharmaceutical composition) comprising an in vivo stabilizing amount of an agent, are provided in a kit. In certain embodiments, the kit includes an instruction, e.g., for using said one or more active ingredients or the composition comprising the active ingredients. In certain embodiments, said instruction describes one or more of the methods of the present invention, e.g., a method for preventing or treating pain, a method of modulating gene expression in a cell, a method for modulating nociceptive signaling in a cell, a method for modulating protein degradation in a cell, etc. In certain embodiments, the active ingredients optionally in a composition (e.g., a pharmaceutical composition) are provided in a kit are provided in lyophilized form. In certain related embodiments, a kit that comprises one or more lyophilized components further comprises a solution (e.g., a pharmaceutically acceptable saline solution) that can be used to resuspend said one or more of the active ingredients and optional agent.

In general, compositions of the present invention can be administered by any convenient route, for example, by infusion or bolus injection, by absorption through epithelial or mucocutaneous linings (e.g., oral mucosa, rectal and intestinal mucosa, etc.), or orally. Administration can be systemic or local. Various delivery systems are known, including, e.g., encapsulation in liposomes, microparticles, microcapsules, capsules, etc., that can be used for administration purposes. Methods of administration include, but are not limited to, intradermal, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, intravenous, subcutaneous, intranasal, epidural/peridural, oral, sublingual, intranasal, intracerebral, intravaginal, transdermal, rectally, by inhalation or topically, particularly to the ears, nose, eyes, or skin. In certain embodiments, more than one active ingredient is administered to a patient in a composition comprising an agent, and optionally more than one agent. The preferred mode of administration is left to the discretion of the practitioner, and will depend in-part upon the site of the medical condition.

In specific embodiments, it may be desirable to administer one or more compositions locally to the area in need of treatment. This can be achieved, for example, and not by way of limitation, by local infusion during surgery, topical application (e.g., in conjunction with a wound dressing after surgery), by injection, by means of a catheter, by means of a suppository, or by means of an implant, said implant being of a porous, non-porous, or gelatinous material, including membranes, such as sialastic membranes, or fibers. In some embodiments, administration can be by direct injection at the site (e.g., former, current, or expected site) of pain.

In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to introduce one or more compositions into the nervous system by any suitable route, including but not restricted to intraventricular, intrathecal, perineural or epidural/peridural injection. Intraventricular injection can be facilitated by an intraventricular catheter, for example, attached to a reservoir, such as an Ommaya reservoir.

Pulmonary administration can also be employed, e.g., by use of an inhaler or nebulizer, and formulation with an aerosolizing agent, or via perfusion in a fluorocarbon or synthetic pulmonary surfactant.

A dose can be administered and then repeated as needed as determined by those of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, in some embodiments, a single dose is contemplated. In other embodiments, two or more doses are contemplated. Where more than one dose is administered to a subject, the time interval between doses can be any time interval as determined by those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the time interval between doses can be about 1 hour to about 2 hours, about 2 hours to about 6 hours, about 6 hours to about 10 hours, about 10 hours to about 24 hours, about 1 day to about 2 days, about 1 week to about 2 weeks, or longer, or any time interval derivable within any of these recited ranges. Dosage forms can, for example, be adapted to be administered to a patient no more than a certain number per day, such as no more than twice per day, or only once per day. Dosing can be provided alone or in combination with other drugs and can continue as long as required for effective treatment or prevention, such as effective treatment or prevention of pain.

Combination Therapy

In certain embodiments, compositions of the present invention can be used in combination therapy with at least one other therapeutic agent. The other therapeutic can be another composition comprising an active ingredient. The active ingredient/agent composition and the therapeutic agent can act additively or synergistically. In some embodiments, administration of both the active ingredient/agent composition and the therapeutic agent is concurrent. In other embodiments, an active ingredient/agent composition is administered prior or subsequent to administration of another therapeutic agent.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present application belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present application, representative methods and materials are herein described.

Following long-standing patent law convention, the terms “a”, “an”, and “the” refer to “one or more” when used in this application, including the claims. Thus, for example, reference to “a carrier” includes mixtures of one or more carriers, two or more carriers, and the like.

The use of the term “or” in the claims is used to mean “and/or” unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or the alternatives are mutually exclusive. It is specifically contemplated that any listing of items using the term “or” means that any of those listed items may also be specifically excluded from the related embodiment.

Throughout this application, the term “about” is used to indicate that a value includes the standard deviation of error for the device or method being employed to determine the value.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Clinical Response Score of Oligonucleotide Formulations

A method was developed to identify the appropriate amount of calcium to add to a formulation in order to prevent clinical signs and adverse events following the intrathecal delivery of an oligonucleotide.

Briefly, rats were anesthetized using isoflurane, injected intrathecally (percutaneous delivery, L5/6, 0.02 mL), placed in a cage to recover and their behavior was recorded for ˜60 min. Using a saline+oligonucleotide formulation (double stranded, 23 base pairs, molecular weight=14092.92 g/mol, % GC=69.5%, sense strand: 5′-GTATGCGTGGGCGGTGGGCGTAG-3′), thirteen spontaneous or evoked clinical signs that can occur following the delivery of an oligonucleotide were identified: tail shaking, tail stiffness, tail wagging, hunched back, vocalization, agitation, freezing behavior, distress/seizure, rear/hindpaw motor dysfunction, exaggerated vocalization following tail pinch, exaggerated escape following tail pinch, induced wagging/stiffness following tail pinch. The presence or absence of a sign during the observation period was numerically recorded by 1 or 0, respectively. The performance of a formulation to prevent the occurrence of those signs was judged based on its total numerical score out of 13 and was compared to the score of a control, saline intrathecal injection.

A screening method was developed in rats to determine the appropriate molar ratio of CaCl₂ (dihydrate CaCl₂.2H₂O, molecular weight=147.02 g/mol) relative to the oligonucleotide that eliminated these effects. Briefly, rats were lightly anesthetized in order to perform a percutaneous lumbar IT injection of the oligonucleotide formulation (100 mg/mL, 0.02 mL). After the injection, animals were allowed to recover from anesthesia and placed in a cage. Clinical signs were observed for approximately 1 h and a clinical score based on the occurrence of predetermined clinical signs was calculated. In an iterative manner, several formulations of the oligonucleotide that contained weight ratios of oligonucleotide: CaCl₂ ranging from 1:0.002 gram (molar ratio of 1:0.2) to 1:0.026 gram (molar ratio of 1:2.64) were tested. Results indicated that clinical signs were eliminated starting at a weight ratio of oligonucleotide:CaCl₂ of 1:0.0155 gram (molar ratio of 1:1.4 M). The effect was maintained up to the highest tested ratio. Based on these results, a fixed weight ratio of oligonucleotide:CaCl₂ of 1:0.0198±0.003 (molar ratio of 1:1.8±0.3 M) was determined to be optimal for preventing clinical signs that can occur upon the administration of an oligonucleotide into the CSF (FIG. 1). Further experiments showed that injecting a single strand oligonucleotide produced the same clinical reactions compared to a double-stranded one, confirming a class-effect for nucleotide-based compounds (FIG. 1).

Example 2 Characterizing an Oligonucleotide:Calcium Binding Relationship

Experiments were conducted to characterize a oligonucleotide:calcium binding relationship. Particular efforts were dedicated to characterize the amount of calcium remaining free, unbound to the oligonucleotide of Example 1 since the concentration of calcium that is introduced in the formulation, depending on the oligonucleotide concentration, can exceed the endogenous CSF calcium concentration. A broad range of formulations containing 1.4 to 250 fold excess of calcium relative to the oligonucleotide concentration were prepared and free calcium measured (FIG. 2).

Results showed that the quantity of calcium that binds the oligonucleotide follows a linear relationship (R²=0.89) that increases with the excess of CaCl₂. The more calcium is added, the more is bound to the oligonucleotide until a plateau of binding saturation is reached. The binding was also influenced by the overall ionic strength of the tested solution, which was modulated by adding NaCl: the higher the ionic strength, the higher the calcium binding (FIG. 2). Altogether, this set of results indicated that only a small portion of the calcium remains free in presence of the oligonucleotide in the formulation. Due to technical constraints linked to calcium detection assay, initial experiments were conducted with low concentrations of oligonucleotides (0.1-3 mM). Complementary techniques allowing the testing of experimental conditions with higher oligonucleotide concentrations confirmed that up to the oligonucleotide solubility limit (13.5 mM), the amount of calcium that remained free was minimal relative to the concentration initially introduced in the formulation and within range of the endogenous CSF concentration (FIG. 3).

Collectively, these data show that at the defined oligonucleotide:calcium ratio, the calcium introduced in the formulation adequately saturates the calcium binding sites present on the oligonucleotide to prevent the buffering the CSF calcium. Further, they demonstrate that the formulation does not present potential toxicity in terms of artificially introducing a high calcium concentration in the CSF.

Example 3 Pharmacological Analysis of an Oligonucleotide Formulation

Complementary experiments were conducted to ensure that the presence of calcium in the formulation of Example 1 did not alter the pharmacological properties of the oligonucleotide. The tested oligonucleotide is a transcription factor decoy inhibiting the transcription factor EGR1 and prevents the development of pain following injury. Competition ELISA experiments showed that calcium, even at a high excess of concentration, did not impact the affinity of the oligonucleotide for EGR1 (FIG. 4A) nor its stability (FIG. 4B). Behavioral testing of the oligonucleotide in the incisional model and the spared nerve injury preclinical models of pain showed similar efficacy with formulations in presence or absence of calcium (FIG. 5).

Example 4 Long-term Stability Study of an Oligonucleotide Formulation

Following the determination of the optimal oligonucleotide:calcium ratio regarding the oligonucleotide of Example 1, experiments were conducted to further develop a suitable formulation that would provide adequate long-term stability of an oligonucleotide/calcium containing liquid solution. Initial experiments evaluated the need for a buffering agent by preparing oligonucleotide/calcium solutions in water, as oligonucleotides are known to contain a certain amount of buffering capacity. After adjusting the pH to ˜7.5, the pH of the solution was evaluated over a 2 week period. pH was not maintained and pH “drift” was noted in the solution (Table 1). Therefore, further experiments were conducted to select an appropriate buffer that would provide adequate pH control and also be compatible with the proposed route of administration (intrathecal). Sodium phosphate was the initial choice of buffer, however experiments indicated compatibility issues with the compound. Low concentrations of sodium phosphate (<5 mM) did not provide adequate buffering capacity to maintain pH, while higher concentrations (≧5 mM) resulted in visible precipitation, presumably due to the formation of calcium phosphate (Table 2). Therefore Tromethamine (Tris), which does not contain phosphates, was evaluated for compatibility and buffering capacity. Experiments indicated that 10 mM Tromethamine (Tris) provided adequate pH control (stable at pH 7.5) and no compatibility issues were observed with the oligonucleotide:calcium containing solution (Table 3).

TABLE 1 Stability of the oligonucleotide:calcium formulation absence of buffer Oligonucleotide Concentration, mg/mL pH Time Refrigerator Freezer Refrigerator Freezer Interval (5° C.) (−20° C.) (5° C.) (−20° C.) Day 0 7.47 7.5 Day 3 47.7 46.8 8.28 7.58 190 186.8 8.02 7.61 Day 7 44 46.3 7.9 7.67 192 187.6 7.85 7.61 Day 10 47.1 46.7 193.8 193.8

Oligonucleotide was formulated with calcium chloride in H₂O at a 1:0.0155 weight ratio (1:1.55 molar ratio) and the pH was adjusted to 7.5 with small amount of diluted sodium hydroxide and diluted hydrochloric acid. The study was performed with ˜190 mg/mL and ˜50 mg/mL oligonucleotide concentrations at two different storage temperatures of 5° C. and −20° C. The concentration of total oligonucleotide and pH of the AYX1 formulation were monitored for a period of 10 days.

TABLE 2 Stability of the oligonucleotide:calcium formulation with sodium phosphate buffer Oligonucleotide Day 0 Results Day 3 Results Day 7 Results Day 14 Results Formulation Visual pH Visual pH Visual pH Visual pH 1:0.001 CaCl₂, no Clear, 7.555 Clear, 7.434 Clear, 7.41 Clear, 7.328 sodium phosphate Colorless Colorless Colorless Colorless buffer, 4.5 mg/mL of NaCl, Total volume: 1.325 mL² 1:0.001 CaCl₂, 2.5 Clear, 7.491 Clear, 7.47 Clear, 7.457 Clear, 7.415 mM sodium Colorless Colorless Colorless Colorless phosphate buffer, 4.5 mg/mL of NaCl, Total volume: 1.25 mL 1:0.001 CaCl₂, 5.0 Clear, 7.466 Clear, 7.466 Clear, 7.454 Clear, 7.393 mM sodium Colorless Colorless Colorless Colorless phosphate buffer, 4.5 mg/mL of NaCl, Total volume: 1.25 mL 1:0.002 CaCl₂, no Clear, 7.498 Clear, 7.317 Clear, 7.281 Clear, 7.209 sodium phosphate Colorless Colorless Colorless Colorless buffer, 4.5 mg/mL of NaCl, Total volume: 1.25 mL 1:0.002 CaCl₂, 2.5 Clear, 7.546 Clear, 7.521 Clear, 7.478 Clear, 7.421 mM sodium Colorless Colorless Colorless Colorless phosphate buffer, 4.5 mg/mL of NaCl, Total volume: 1.25 mL 1:0.002 CaCl₂ , 5.0 Clear, 7.508 Slightly 6.743 Slightly 6.724 Slightly 6.654 mM sodium Colorless turbid turbid turbid phosphate buffer, 4.5 mg/mL of NaCl, Total volume: 1.25 mL

Oligonucleotide (112 mg/mL, 7.95 mM) was formulated with calcium chloride in H₂O at a 1:0.01 or 1:0.02 weight ratio (1:1-1:2 molar ratio) and the pH was adjusted to 7.5 with small amount of diluted sodium hydroxide and diluted hydrochloric acid. Sodium phosphate was added for buffering of the formulations and sodium chloride was added as the excipient to adjust the osmolality of the formulation. Testing was conducted at the 5° C. storage temperature. The stability and pH of the formulations were monitored for a period of 14 days. Turbidity indicates precipitation occurring within the solution.

TABLE 3 Stability of the oligonucleotide:calcium formulation with Tris buffer A. Fifteen days stability Ion Size Exchange Exclusion HPLC HPLC Sample Visual Purity Purity Time Interval Description Inspection pH (Area %) (Area %) Day 0 Drug Product Clear, 7.451 93.39 99.3 colorless Placebo Clear, 7.4 NA NA colorless Day 3 Drug Product Clear, 7.522 NA NA colorless Placebo Clear, 7.439 NA NA colorless Day 7 Drug Product Clear, 7.331 NA NA colorless Placebo Clear, 7.546 NA NA colorless Day 14 Drug Product Clear, 7.484 93.53 99.2 colorless Placebo Clear, 7.367 NA NA colorless B. Three months stability Test Method T = 0 T = 1 month T = 2 month T = 3 month Visual - Color Colorless Colorless Colorless Colorless Visual - Clarity Clear Clear Clear Clear Visual - Appearance Free from visible Free from visible Free from Free from particulates particulates visible visible particulates particulates Total 111.8 mg/mL 111.9 mg/mL 111.4 108.4 Oligonucleotide mg/mL mg/mL Content Purity by SEC-HPLC a. Oligonucleotide 99.30%  99.20%  99.20%  99.20%  Main Peak b. Single Strand RRT % area RRT % area RRT RRT Impurities % area % area c. Unspecified 0.88 0.61% 0.88 0.59% 0.88 0.88 Impurities 1.13 0.12% 1.13 0.20% 0.63% 0.63% 1.14 1.13 0.21% 0.13% Purity by IEX-HPLC a. Oligonucleotide 93.6% Total 93.7% Total 92.9% Total 91.3% Total Main Peaks 59.6% AWL 49.9% AWL 49.3% AWL 48.8% AWL 44.0% AWM 43.8% AWM 43.6% AWM 42.5% AWM b. impurities % Area % Area % Area % Area 2.32% 2.74% 2.50% 3.12% 0.68% 1.14% 0.91% 0.70% % Area % Area % Area % Area 0.30% 0.27% 0.31% 0.31% 1.79% 1.53% 1.79% 2.88% 0.73% 0.27% 0.61% 0.98% pH 7.5 7.5 7.5  7.6 

Stability of the oligonucleotide:calcium formulation buffered with Tris. Table 3A: Oligonucleotide (112 mg/mL, 7.95 mM) was formulated with calcium chloride in H₂O at a 1:0.02 weight ratio (1:2 molar ratio) and the pH was adjusted to 7.5 with small amount of diluted sodium hydroxide and diluted hydrochloric acid. Tris (10 mM final concentration) was added for buffering of the formulation and sodium chloride was added as the excipient to adjust the osmolality of the formulation. Testing was conducted at the 5° C. storage temperature. The stability and pH of the formulations were monitored for a period of 14 days. Additional measures of oligonucleotide stability and integrity (Ion Exchange HPLC purity and Size Exclusion HPLC) were performed at time zero and at 14 days. Table 3B: long term stability of the oligonucleotide: calcium formulation. Oligonucleotide (110 mg/mL, 7.8 mM) was formulated with calcium chloride in H₂O at a 1:0.018 weight ratio (1:1.8 molar ratio), the pH was adjusted to 7.5 and Tris added (10 mM final concentration). pH, precipitation (visual observation) and oligonucleotide integrity (size exclusion SEC-HPLC, Ion exchange IEX-HPLC) were measured for 3 months. Three storage conditions were tested: 5° C., 25° C. and 40° C., with similar results. The outcome of the 5° C. storage condition is shown.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications, both to materials and methods, may be practiced without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, the present embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein, but may be modified within the scope and equivalents of the appended claims.

All publications and patents cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. 

1. A pharmaceutical composition comprising an active ingredient and an in vivo stabilizing amount of an agent, wherein the agent is associated with an adverse effect in vivo caused by the administration of the active ingredient without the agent, and wherein the in vivo stabilizing amount is the amount that substantially saturates the binding sites of the active ingredient to the agent.
 2. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of a nucleic acid, a peptide, and a small organic molecule, or a combination thereof.
 3. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the active ingredient is an oligonucleotide decoy.
 4. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the active ingredient is a nucleic acid comprising one or more transcription factor binding sites.
 5. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the active ingredient is an oligonucleotide decoy useful for the treatment of pain or modulation of nociceptive signaling.
 6. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the active ingredient is a nucleic acid comprising SEQ ID NOs: 1-40, 42, 45, 47-52, or
 53. 7. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the agent is an ion, a protein, a carbohydrate, an alcohol, a lipid, or a vitamin.
 8. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the agent is associated with an adverse effect caused by the administration of the active ingredient to the nervous system.
 9. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 8, wherein the agent is associated with an adverse effect caused by the administration of the active ingredient without the agent in CSF, neuronal parenchyma, or conjunctive tissue.
 10. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 8, or 9, wherein administration is by injection.
 11. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 9, wherein the agent is a cation or a vitamin.
 12. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 11, wherein the cation is a calcium ion, a magnesium ion, or a potassium ion.
 13. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 11, wherein the cation is a metal ion.
 14. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the agent is associated with an adverse effect caused by the administration of the active ingredient without the agent in blood.
 15. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 14, wherein the agent is a cation or a vitamin.
 16. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 15, wherein the cation is a calcium ion, a magnesium ion, or a potassium ion.
 17. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 15, wherein the cation is a metal ion.
 18. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the resulting free agent amount within the pharmaceutical composition is at a level less than a predetermined level.
 19. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the resulting free agent amount within the pharmaceutical composition is at a level greater than a predetermined level.
 20. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 18 or 19, wherein the predetermined level is the endogenous level of the agent.
 21. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the active ingredient is a nucleic acid and the agent is calcium ion and wherein the pharmaceutical composition is formulated for intrathecal administration.
 22. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the active ingredient is an oligonucleotide decoy and the agent is calcium ion and wherein the pharmaceutical composition is formulated for intrathecal administration.
 23. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the molar ratio or the weight ratio of the active ingredient to the agent ranges from about 1:1000 to about 1000:1.
 24. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the active ingredient is a nucleic acid and the agent is calcium ion as comprised in calcium chloride, and wherein the weight ratio of the active ingredient to calcium chloride is from about 1:1, 2:1, 4:1, 5:1, 15:1, 30:1, 50:1, 100:1, 200:1, 250:1, 300:1, 400:1, or 500:1, or any range derivable therein.
 25. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the active ingredient is an oligonucleotide decoy and the agent is calcium ion as comprised in calcium chloride, and wherein the weight ratio of the active ingredient to calcium chloride is from about 1:1, 2:1, 4:1, 5:1, 15:1, 30:1, 50:1, 100:1, 200:1, 250:1, 300:1, 400:1, or 500:1, or any range derivable therein.
 26. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the active ingredient is an oligonucleotide decoy and the agent is a cation or a vitamin.
 27. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 26, wherein the cation is a calcium ion, a magnesium ion, or a potassium ion.
 28. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 26, wherein the cation is a metal ion.
 29. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1 further comprising a buffer.
 30. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the active ingredient is an oligonucleotide decoy, the agent is calcium ion and wherein the pharmaceutical composition further comprises a non-phosphate based buffer.
 31. A method of reducing an adverse effect of an active ingredient comprising administering the active ingredient with an in vivo stabilizing amount of an agent, wherein the agent is associated with the adverse effect of the active ingredient caused by the administration of the active ingredient without the agent, and wherein the in vivo stabilizing amount is the amount that substantially saturates the binding sites of the active ingredient to the agent.
 32. A method for treating or managing pain in a subject comprising administering to the subject the pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the active ingredient is an oligonucleotide decoy comprising one or more binding sites for EGR1 and wherein the agent is a calcium ion. 